HC Deb 31 January 1949 vol 460 cc1363-4
28. Mrs. Manning

asked the Minister of Food if he will now take the initiative in reviewing the International Wheat Agreement which was abrogated by the U.S. Government in the last Congress.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summer-skill)

A Conference is at present being held in Washington to negotiate an International Wheat Agreement. The Conference is attended by representatives of the Governments of all the principal wheat exporting and importing countries. including the United Kingdom.

Mrs. Manning

Could my right hon. Friend tell me whether it is going to take very long to bring into being again this extremely valuable co-operation?

Dr. Summerskill

I cannot say how long it will be, but, of course, the first job will be to review the abortive 1948 agreement.