HC Deb 27 February 1946 vol 419 cc386-7W
Sir A. Salter

asked the Minister of Food whether wheat is now within the scope of the Combined Food Board; or whether, in view of the present shortage, he is taking steps to secure that allocations are made through this board.

Sir B. Smith

Yes, Sir. Wheat is within the scope of the Combined Food Board and arrangements for the programming of shipments are under almost continuous discussion among the importing and exporting countries concerned through the machinery of the Board.

Mr. Foot

asked the Minister of Food what were the reasons for the decision to remove wheat and flour from the system of international allocation under the Combined Food Board by a decision taken in the summer of 1945; and, in view of the world food situation, what steps have been taken by the Government to restore the system of international allocation.

Sir B. Smith

The Combined Food Board substituted a system of monthly programming of shipments of wheat and flour for a system of allocation in order to make possible the maximum flexibility in arrangements in the exporting countries and so to secure the greatest possible movement of supplies. The Combined Food Board arrangements are being kept under very close review in the present difficult period, and in the event of any changes becoming necessary they will be made.