§ 27. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Food what commodity markets which dealt in foodstuffs in pre-war years are still closed; what are the prospects of their being re-opened; and if he will give an estimate of the foreign exchange earned annually by these markets before the war.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe re-opening of terminal or futures markets has to be considered for each commodity in relation to the balance of payments position. Cocoa is at present the only foodstuff for which these specialised trading facilities have been fully restored. In general, progress towards the fuller restoration of 829 commodity markets in foodstuffs must depend on developments following the return of imports to private trade. As to the last part of the Question, I am not aware of any reliable estimate.
§ Mr. RussellCan my right hon. and gallant Friend say roughly how many markets that were operating before the war are still closed?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI should like to have notice of that.