§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether, in view of the large and steadily mounting value of public funds invested in various raw materials surplus to U.K. requirements and of the heavy influence this must have on long-term British Industrial interests, some indication can be given of the coordination of current, and the contribution of long-term planning, policies.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT SIMON)My Lords, as you are already aware, my right honourable friend the Minister without Portfolio is charged with responsibility for the planning of long-term economic reconstruction, both in respect of the United Kingdom and in its international aspects. He is also Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Export Surpluses, which directs our current policy on this problem. He is thus in a position to secure full and effective coordination of policy and action in both fields. The: stocks of raw materials which are surplus to the war-time requirements of the United Kingdom form a useful reserve against post-war demands. Policy as to their disposal will have to be worked out by the Ministerial Committee on Export Surpluses and, while it is impossible 1097 at present to arrive at definite conclusions, I can assure the noble Lord that the Committee will take account of long-term plans for economic reconstruction, including the needs of British industry.
I understand, however, that what my noble friend has particularly in mind is the question whether advantage is being taken of every possible opportunity of effecting, now and during the remainder of the war, sales of the surplus raw materials which the Government have purchased This matter is being handled by the Ministries concerned, and the noble Lord can be assured that no opportunity is being missed of disposing of surplus raw materials, particularly in the United States, in any case where there is a reasonable prospect of shipping being available.