HC Deb 19 November 1952 vol 507 cc160-1W
20. Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that our trade in fondant with the principal European Payments Union countries has been so adverse, he will discontinue these imports and, with the currency saved, will buy sugar for use in the home market.

Major Lloyd George

To abolish imports of fondant from European Payments Union countries would damage our commercial relations with them. Imports have been severely reduced since November, 1951; but the saving of foreign currency is needed in present circumstances for the benefit of our balance of payments generally and cannot be used to increase imports of a particular item.