§ 20. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking regarding the International Wheat Council in view of the statement recently made by the United Kingdom delegate to the International Wheat Conference.
§ Mr. H. NichollsMy right hon. Friend is awaiting the response of the International Wheat Conference to the proposals made by the United Kingdom delegate on 20th February.
§ Mr. WilleyWhilst recognising that the statement of our delegate to the Conference was not as negative as it at first appeared, may I ask the hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the attitude of Her Majesty's Government seems to be to sabotage all commodity agreements, and that that is against our national interest? Will he, therefore, make a genuine effort to see that we make an effective contribution to this Conference and Council?
§ Mr. NichollsI am sorry that the hon. Member felt it necessary to use such words at this stage. We are awaiting the official response to our proposals. As soon as we have got it we shall do all we can to see that the recond part of the Conference takes into account the suggestion made by the United Kingdom delegate on 20th February.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWill the hon. Gentleman take note of the advice of the National Farmers' Union, which takes a very poor view of the refusal of the Government to have anything to do with the International Wheat Agreement?
§ Mr. NichollsMy right hon. Friend takes note of all views that affect his Department.
§ Mr. G. BrownBut he does not do anything about them.