HC Deb 11 April 1949 vol 463 c2463
32. Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Food what are the main countries from which linseed oil is being imported; and what are the relative prices he is paying.

Dr. Summerskill

The main country from which linseed oil is being imported at the present time is Uruguay. It is not in the public interest to disclose information about buying prices.

Mr. Piratin

Could the Minister at least say whether we are buying from the United States and what are the relative prices which we are paying to the United States compared with those which we are paying to other countries? Is it not a fact that we are paying much more?

Dr. Summerskill

No, Sir, we are not buying from the United States because of the dollar situation.

Colonel Hutchison

Does that mean that the previous greatest supplier of linseed oil, the Argentine, is altogether out of the negotiations?

Dr. Summerskill

No. We are now negotiating with the Argentine.