HC Deb 27 March 1961 vol 637 c92W
40. Mr. du Cann

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the proposal contained in Cmnd. 1249 to export British agricultural surpluses as a part of Britain's contribution to the relief of poverty in the under-developed countries of the world, and especially to those territories in the Commonwealth where the standard of living is substantially lower than that of the United Kingdom: what action he proposes to take in the matter: and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Vane

My hon. Friend presumably has in mind the expression of view of the N.F.U. in Command 1249 that the distribution of surpluses of food now available in the Western World should be furthered through support of the United Nations Resolution 1496 of the 15th Session of the General Assembly.

This Resolution called on F.A.O. as a first step to study various aspects of the problems involved. In accordance with the Resolution the Director-General of F.A.O. will be making a report to the Economic and Social Council in July when it will be for the consideration of member nations. The United Kingdom is of course a large net importer of foodstuffs.