HC Deb 18 November 1946 vol 430 cc24-5W
72. Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

asked the Minister of Food what have been the reasons for delay in wheat shipments from Montreal; what extra costs will have to be paid as the result; and whether these charges will be added to the amount of food subsidies.

Mr. Strachey

Shipments of Canadian wheat in the current crop year have been dependant upon farmers' marketings from the new crop and the movement of these restricted supplies has been impeded by serious transportation difficulties in Canada. This has resulted in some delay in the loading of vessels which had been positioned in the expectation that cargoes would be available. Complete information is not yet available as to the extra cost occasioned by the delay since claims for demurrage have been presented only in respect of these vessels which have arrived and discharged their cargoes in the United Kingdom. The amount of approved claims will be added to the landed cost of the wheat and will be charged to the food subsidy.