HC Deb 07 November 1949 vol 469 cc873-4
22. Mr. David Eccles

asked the Minister of Food whether he will add feedingstuffs to the list of goods submitted by His Majesty's Government to the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation in respect of which an open general licence to import is now granted.

Mr. Strachey

I do not think we can do this at present. In any case the O.E.E.C. countries are on balance not importers of feedingstuffs.

Mr. Eccles

But does not the Minister think that he should take a step in this direction? For example, does he not think that private traders might pick up small parcels of feedingstuffs in, say, North Africa, since any little extra we can get would be a good thing?

Mr. Strachey

We import quite considerable quantities of grain from North Africa, but I do not think that the opening of the trade with Europe to private traders in this matter would have any practical consequences.

Mr. Baldwin

Is the Minister aware that the members of the Baltic Exchange are doing a considerable business in coarse feeding grains all over the world, with the exception of this country?

Mr. Strachey

We are doing a considerable business in the importing of coarse grains into this country.

Mr. John Paton

If the purpose of the Question were carried out, would it not be at the expense of our partners in European co-operation?

Mr. Strachey

In so far as they are net importers, that is the case.