§ Mr. Allighanasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the imports of raw cocoa from Venezuela throughout the whole of 1946, with the exception of December, totalled 627 cwts.; that for the month of December the figure increased to 9,642 cwts., but has dropped to an average of 474 cwts. per month this year; what is the explanation for the December figure; and whether it is expected that the present monthly rate will be increased to correspond with it.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food that imports of this commodity are of a seasonal character, which accounts for the high December figure. He does not consider it would be in the public interest to make any statement about his intentions regarding future purchases.