International Wheat Agreement (Hansard, 30 April 1956)

§ 20. Mr. Drayson
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in connection with the new International Wheat Agreement.

Mr. Amory
As the House was informed, the policy of Her Majesty's Government was announced at the United Nations Wheat Conference in Geneva on 20th February when the United Kingdom delegation stated that we should not read-here to a new Agreement of the present kind, because in our view it would make no effective contribution to the solution of current wheat problems. At the same time, however, we made proposals for an alternative approach to current wheat problems, and suggested that the International Wheat Council should be the forum for the discussion of this approach.
I am glad to say that in the new Agreement the provisions of Article XIII have been amended so as to enable the Council to study any aspect of the world wheat situation and to sponsor inter-Governmental consultations relatingthereto. These powers provide for co-operation in these activities with other inter-Governmental organisations and with Governments which are not party to the 15 Agreement. The United Kingdom will be very willing to play its full part in these discussions.

§ Mr. Drayson
While thanking the Minister for that reply, can he tell us what specific proposals were put forward by Her Majesty's Government about the disposal of the wheat surplus, and what does he estimate the surpluses to be at present?

Mr. Amory
I am afraid that I can answer neither part of that question without notice. As regards the first part of the question, a good many suggestions were made, but as the basis for consultations. As regards the second part, I cannot give the figure without notice.

§ Mr. Willey
Can the Minister say whether the Council has decided to set up a study group to deal with the problem of surpluses? If it has so decided, can he assure the House that Her Majesty's Government will play their full part in that study group?

Mr. Amory
I think that the Council is proposing to study the situation, and I have already promised that Her Majesty's Government will play a full and energetic part in those discussions.

§ Mr. J. Griffiths
Will the Minister consult his colleague, the Foreign Secretary, to ensure that the British Government take a progressive attitude towards this matter at the United Nations and that they support organisations like S.U.N.F.E.D., through which the surpluses can be made available to people all over the world who are badly in need of this food?

Mr. Amory
That aspect is one of the greatest possible importance, and we have already supported proposals and taken a very full part in discussions on this question of the disposal of surplus commodities in the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

§ Mr. J. Johnson
Is the Minister aware that Mr. Menzies and other Australian leaders have attacked Her Majesty's Government's policy in this connection? Is is not queer that the alleged Empire party opposite is snapping bonds in this fashion with the Dominions year after year?

Mr. Amory
No doubt we shall have an opportunity of discussing economic policies as well as other aspects of policy at the Commonwealth Prime Minister's Meeting this Summer.