§ Mr. Challenasked the Minister of Food what proportion of the imports of coffee into Great Britain is obtained from dollar countries and from countries of the Empire, respectively; and whether any steps have been taken to increase the imports from Empire countries with a view to conserving dollars.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillOf the total quantity of coffee which my right hon. Friend has purchased or will purchase in 1946 for consumption in the United Kingdom, 60 per cent. will be obtained from Empire sources and the balance from producing countries which are prepared to accept sterling. With regard to the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend already purchases for allocation by the London Food Council the whole of the coffee supplies available for export from Empire sources other than India. The quantity available from India is decided by the Government of India. In the circumstances we could only increase imports of Empire coffees into Great Britain at the expense of Australia, South Africa and Middle East countries, to whom a proportion of Empire coffees is allocated.