§ 47. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the President of the Board of Trade what discussions the Government have had with other Governments, particularly those concerned with the Kennedy Round of trade negotiations, about an international food aid programme; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JayDuring the negotiations for a cereals agreement in the context of the Kennedy Round, a proposal was put forward that the participants should contribute to an international food aid programme as part of the agreement. The negotiations, which are confidential, are continuing.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonCan the right hon. Gentleman give some idea of what this will cost this country? Can he also say what were the views of other European countries on this proposal?
§ Mr. JayNaturally a proposal of this kind is favoured by the exporters rather than by the importers. The cost involved for this country would not be large because we are very conscious of the effect on our balance of payments.