§ 51. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food how many tons of sugar are at present being stored by his Department in barges or other accommodation in continental ports.
§ Mr. WilleyWhen will the Parliamentary Secretary cease being so profligate with foreign exchange? Why cannot the sugar be stored at home?
Dr. HillThe sugar is being stored in Rotterdam because of the saving effected in the exceptional conditions prevailing at the present time.
§ Mr. WilleyIs it the policy of the Department today to store food abroad if it shows a saving in cash regardless of currency considerations and storage capacity in this country?
Dr. HillThe Department is quite capable of looking after this country's interests, including its currency interests.
§ Mr. K. ThompsonWill my hon. Friend take account of the different situation which will arise when there is plenty of space for sugar storage in this country, as distinct from the conditions when the sugar was originally put in the barges at Rotterdam?
Dr. HillI am aware of my hon. Friend's point. It must not be taken as 602 a permanent feature of our arrangements that such storage should continue.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the Parliamentary Secretary's inability to answer my Question, I shall endeavour to raise these matters separately on the Adjournment.