HC Deb 20 November 1947 vol 444 cc219-20W
118. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Minister of Food the volume and value of refined sugar exported to foreign countries; what proportion of this export was originally imported from hard currency countries and payment made in American dollars; and if import and export of sugar in this matter will in future be discontinued.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the delicate negotiations involved it would not be in the public interest to disclose the volume and value of refined sugar recently exported from the United Kingdom to foreign countries. These transactions do not reduce the quantity available for consumption in this country. Although the raw sugar equivalent of this extra sugar is obtained from hard currency countries, sales of the refined product have also been made in hard currency, leaving this country with a substantial hard currency profit. For this reason the answer to the latter part of the Question is "No."

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