HC Deb 28 July 1952 vol 504 c1080
26. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Food what incentives he gives to jam manufacturers and canners for exporting their products to dollar countries; and whether he will extend these incentives to other countries, so that more home-grown fruit can be used.

Dr. Hill

Exporters of food products to dollar countries are entitled to buy allocated ingredients to replace those used and also to buy additional quantities provided as export incentives. But most of these materials, and especially sugar, cost dollars for additional quantities, and so cannot be provided for non-dollar exports.

Captain Duncan

In view of the present situation in Europe, where we have to use gold, which is equivalent to dollars, why cannot we now encourage the export to Europe of jam and other things which will earn gold?

Dr. Hill

There are two considerations to which I would draw the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend. First, taking the long view, the assumption is that the dollar will remain the harder currency. Secondly, of all commodities sugar has the best conversion value in terms of exports.