§ Mr. Yorkasked the Minister of Food what proportion of total imports of food during 1946 came from hard currency sources; and whether he anticipates any appreciable change in this proportion during 1947 and 1948.
§ Dr. SummerskillSlightly under half of the expenditure on food imports in 1946 was in respect of supplies from hard currency sources. I am unable to answer the second half of the Question because of the many uncertainties as to the supplies likely to be available from each source, as to the prices which will be asked for them and as to any restrictions which may have to be imposed on food imports by reason of our Balance of Payments position