HC Deb 23 October 1946 vol 427 c375W
94. Sir B. Neven-Spence

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty of obtaining sufficient cargo for homeward-bound ships of the Far East Conference; and whether he will purchase further rubber for shipment to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Belcher

I am not aware that any vessels of the Far Eastern Conference are arriving in this country without full cargoes. While certain vessels may leave for Far Eastern ports with cargo space unfilled, these vessels complete loading in Colombo and ports further west with vitally needed foodstuffs and other commodities for the United Kingdom. Purchases of rubber for shipment from Malaya during the remainder of this year have now been completed.