HC Deb 13 May 1953 vol 515 cc1242-3
36. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Food the average price now being paid for imported barley compared with 1939.

Dr. Hill

Present c.i.f. prices range between £21 and £26 10s. per ton according to source, quality and position. In 1939, they ranged between £4 10s. and £5 5s. per ton.

Mr. Stokes

In view of the fact that the hon. Gentleman's statement reveals that barley is now more than four times the price it was pre-war, will the Minister take this matter into full consideration in the examination which he is making in regard to the export price of whisky, because whisky has gone up by only 1s. 8d. a bottle?

Dr. Hill

All relevant facts will be taken into account, but I would remind the right hon. Gentleman, as I told him on Monday, that imported barley is not used for whisky, and, in fact, last year, only 4 per cent. of our imported barley came from dollar countries.

Mr. Stokes

Of course, I understand that perfectly well, but, surely, the Parliamentary Secretary understands that, if home-produced barley was not used for whisky, he would not have to import any?

Dr. Hill

I would remind the right hon. Gentleman that the allegations which he made in 1947 and 1949, and which were rejected by his right hon. Friend the Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Strachey), are being re-examined afresh at his request, and I suggest that he might content himself with that for the moment.

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