§ 32. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food if, in view of the fact that he has stated that the Government are prepared to purchase sugar from Empire countries, it will be his policy to use this sugar for increasing the ration, or for re-export.
§ Mr. StracheyThe additional sugar which will, I am sure, become available under the guarantee which we have given to all Commonwealth producers to buy their entire exportable surplus until 1952, will be used both to free the Commonwealth from making any net import of dollar sugar and to increase the ration and the distribution generally in the United Kingdom.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of the colossal failure of his administration, as shown by the recent Supplementary Estimates, when will the Minister realise that it is only by stopping bulk purchase and allowing healthy competition to operate that we shall get more and cheaper food?
§ Mr. StracheyPerhaps the hon. Member is not aware that the Empire sugar producers are strongly pressing us to continue bulk purchase.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes not that argument give away the whole of the right hon. Gentleman's case? They can squeeze him when they cannot squeeze Mincing Lane.
§ Mr. StracheyThe hon. Member wishes to give the Empire sugar producers away.
§ Mr. C. S. TaylorHas the right hon. Gentleman discussed this matter with his former colleague, Lord Baldwin?