HC Deb 04 July 1949 vol 466 c1777
52. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will so amend his regulations that British personnel in Berlin will be permitted to buy fresh vegetables grown locally.

Mr. McNeil

No, Sir.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a glut of vegetables in Berlin but that British personnel in Berlin have to wait a couple of days to get vegetables from Holland? Will he look into this grievance?

Mr. McNeil

I have looked into it most carefully. It is true that there is a temporary glut but it is due to the fact that buyers rushed in during the temporary suspension of the blockade. But Berlin, over a considerable period, is a deficit area in vegetables, and His Majesty's Government would not agree to place further burdens on the Berliners in this matter.