§ 43. Mr. Callaghanasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that he will refuse to complete his negotiations for purchase of six million dollars worth of United States oranges as long as the United States Government insists that 50 per cent. of the purchase must be carried in their ships.
§ The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sir Edward Boyle)No, Sir. This transaction is part of a much larger programme of imports under the United States Mutual Security Act, 1954–55, from the sterling proceeds of which we shall receive this year's United States aid to the United Kingdom defence budget. I shall be informing the House about this programme next week.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs the Minister aware that Denmark refused to enter a transaction of a similar nature? Does he 1061 realise that if he persists in his present attitude he will strike a very serious blow at the interests of British shipping?
§ Sir E. BoyleI am prepared to say nothing else on this matter today. The House will be fully informed about it next week.