§ 66. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that food parcels containing scarce and rationed foods may be ordered in the U.S.A. to be sent to residents in Great Britain; that such parcels are made up in Great Britain by British firms from United Kingdom stocks; and what steps he is taking to prevent this remotely controlled black market.
§ Mr. StracheyThe arrangement for authorised firms to send parcels of food from their export quota to people in this country provided that the parcel is ordered from abroad and paid for in hard currency, has my approval. There is nothing remotely resembling a black market about it. These transactions earn dollars for us as effectively as exports—and in addition the food is eaten here.