§ 54. Mr. Osborneasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer since one-third of wheat flour and sugar, one-fifth of cheese, one-quarter 2098 of petroleum and copper, one-third of zinc, four-fifths of aluminium, one-sixth of lead, two-fifths of cotton and one-half of tobacco imported in 1949 were free gifts from the United States of America under Marshall Aid, which of these items he proposes to cut down, and by how much for 1950 as a consequence of the smaller allocation of Marshall Aid for 1950.
§ Sir S. CrippsFinal decisions have not yet been taken on the level of imports of each of these commodities in 1950. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that supplies of the raw materials in question should be adequate to meet the needs of industry. While imports of tobacco and the particular foodstuffs mentioned are expected to be somewhat lower than in 1949, supplies should be adequate to meet the expected level of consumption or to maintain existing rations as the case may be.
§ Mr. OsborneDoes that answer mean that our earnings in North America have not been sufficiently increased to pay for supplies that previously have been given to us? Does the right hon. and learned Gentleman anticipate that if we are not able to earn enough to pay for the foodstuffs there will have to be a reduction in rations?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe answer to both those questions is "No."