§ LORD BARNBYasked His Majesty's Government whether the circumstances set out in Command Paper No. 6242 have now been changed, and if so, whether the facts can now be stated.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF SUPPLY (LORD PORTAL)Arrangements have now been made for the purchase by the United States Government of the wool already in the strategic reserve contemplated in the Agreement of December 9, 1940, and of certain additional quantities earmarked for the reserve but not yet shipped. The wool is to be held by the United States Government against an emergency shortage as contemplated in paragraph 1 of the Agreement of December 9, and in the event of resale, the United States Government have agreed to consult with His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom with a view to avoiding dislocation of the market. The arrangements are being incorporated in a formal agreement. In addition, a substantial quantity of South African wool is being sent to the United States of America, where it will be held under our ownership on conditions similar to those set out in the Agreement of December 9, 1940.
House adjourned.