§ 66. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on the progress of his discussions with Commonwealth sugar producers; and what proposals he has made for the limitation of sugar production in the West Indies after 1952.
§ 63. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on the progress of the negotiations for the long-term contracts for the purchase of sugar from the British West Indies and other parts of the Colonial Empire.
§ Dr. SummerskillDiscussions with Commonwealth sugar producers are still proceeding, and it would be inappropriate for me to make any statement at present.
§ Mr. DribergIs my right hon. Friend aware of the difficulty in which we are placed in that very important and possibly irrevocable decisions may presumably be taken during the Christmas Recess, when we cannot discuss them, on a tremendously important issue of Colonial policy, not only of food policy, and has she read the excellent letter in today's "Times" by my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport (Mr. Foot)?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir; I have read my hon. Friend's letter, and I have commented on it privately to him. I am sure he will realise that, while conversations are continuing, and they are actually continuing this afternoon on this subject, it would be quite wrong for me to comment on it.
§ Mr. Oliver StanleyWhile agreeing with the right hon. Lady about the tremendous importance of this matter in regard to our Colonial policy in future, may I ask whether it would not be possible, if an agreement can only be reached during the Recess, for that agreement to be provisional and for this House to be consulted before any final and binding arrangement is made?
§ Dr. SummerskillI will certainly consider that.
§ Mr. DribergIs it at all possible that agreement will be reached this afternoon, and, if so, could my right hon. Friend make a statement tomorrow?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am afraid I could not commit myself.