§ Q5. Mr. Staintonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the 10,000 tons of Rhodesian sugar refused by the United States of America has been taken into bonded store in Hamburg; and what representations he has made to the West German Government regarding this act and the ultimate disposal of the sugar.
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the sugar in question remains in a bonded warehouse in Hamburg. The Federal German Government, who have banned the import of sugar from Rhodesia, have said that there is no possibility of the consignment being imported into the territory of the Federal Republic.
§ Mr. StaintonCould the Prime Minister tell the House how it was that this sugar was landed at Hamburg? In spite of the fact that it is a free port, it comes under Germany and the West German 1286 Government. Secondly, without holding out any consolation to German speculators in the matter, does he appreciate their disquiet at the fact that a large quantity of foodstuffs can be neutralised at a time when famine is rampant in certain parts of the world, excluding Rhodesia?
§ The Prime MinisterI was not aware that there was very much of a famine in sugar at present. If the hon. Gentleman studies the commodity market for sugar he will find that my remarks are borne out. The ship, the "Pericles", went to the United States and all over Europe looking for a home, eventually arriving at Hamburg, and the West German Government saw no reason to stop the landing of the sugar. Certainly they have not allowed it to be taken into sale for consumption.