§ 32. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food whether he will make a statement about the future policy of his Department regarding bulk purchase and long-term agreements for the procurement of essential foodstuffs.
Dr. HillYes, Sir. It is to restore the trade in foodstuffs to private enterprise whenever possible.
§ Mr. WilleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will cause some disturbance in the Commonwealth? Is he further aware that I am anxious to avoid introducing a controversial note in this matter, but that Government to Government understanding has become part of the pattern of Commonwealth trade? Will he try to avoid being too much impelled by doctrinnaire considerations in this matter?
Dr. HillThe hon. Gentleman will realise that, where such arrangements have been brought to an end before the end of the contractual period, it has been with the full agreement and co-operation of the Governments concerned. There 1271 has been, and will be, no breaking of contracts entered into, except by full mutual agreement.