§ Sir H. CRAIKasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that there is no prohibition of the export from this country of margarine or of Brazilian babassu kernels or shea nuts, which are ingredients of margarine, he will consider the advisability of removing the prohibition of the export of palm kernels imported from British possessions and used for the same purpose?
Mr. ROBERTSOnly small quantities of babassu kernels and shea nuts have been imported into this country, and these commodities are not as yet staple raw material for the manufacture of margarine. Palm kernels may be exported direct from West Africa to any part of the world, and their re-export from the United Kingdom would, if it were permitted, not only place 1035W a greater burden on the already congested ports, but would take up British shipping required for other purposes.