HC Deb 27 September 1944 vol 403 cc250-1W
Mr. Levy

asked the Minister of Supply, what consultation there was with the representatives of the leather trade before the agreement was entered into with the U.S.A., whereby the two Governments are jointly to purchase all the available goat skins, which are subsequently to be shared out between the two countries in the ratio of 5¼ to the U.S.A. and I to the United Kingdom; and whether facilities will be afforded for the discussion in Parliament of this agreement.

Sir A. Duncan

This is a purely temporary arrangement to meet war-time supply conditions, and is subject to review on the cessation of hostilities with Germany. In these circumstances prior consultation with the leather trade was not considered necessary.