HC Deb 19 July 1949 vol 467 cc1161-2
53. Mr. Turton

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will announce the details of the Provisional Grain Contract that has been concluded with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and when the first cargoes of grain under the agreement are anticipated to arrive.

Mr. Bottomley

We have reached agreement with the Soviet Government about coarse grains, but the contract is linked with the rest of the trade agreement on which negotiations are still proceeding. I would prefer to wait until they are concluded before announcing details about any particular part of the negotiation.

Mr. Turton

Will this delay delay the increase in the foodstuffs ration that the agricultural industry requires?

Mr. Bottomley

I am not talking about delay. I said that trade negotiations are still going on. This is only part of the negotiations. When the negotiations are complete, we can talk about whether it is an early settlement or a late one.

Mr. Turton

Will not the result be that the coarse grains will not arrive in this country early enough to allow the feedingstuff ration to be increased?

Mr. Bottomley

That depends upon the progress of the negotiations.