§ 2. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much cocoanut oil has been sold to Russia from Malaya, either directly or by trans-shipment through the United Kingdom during the past 12 months; what is its value; and why these fats have not been bought for this country.
Mr. Creech JonesIn the past twelve months, 150 tons of cocoanut oil have been shipped direct to Russia from the Federation of Malaya and about 1,000 tons through Singapore. The total value was about £170,000. With regard to the third part of the Question, 50 per cent. of 854 Malaya's cocoanut oil exports became free from destinational control early this year, and as the prices paid for these free exports were much higher than the price offered by the Ministry of Food no purchases were made for the United Kingdom.
Mr. GammnansWould it not be better if these surplus fats were bought for this country rather than that they should go to Russia? What more valuable export to this country could we have at this moment than fats?
Mr. Creech JonesI thought this policy was consistent with the hon. Member's policy of removing controls.
§ Mr. Mott-RadclyffeDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it might be a good plan if there could be a technical hitch in any further export of these fats and oils to the Soviet Union?