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Dutch Vegetables (Delivery)

Oral Answers to Questions — Germany – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 July 1947.

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Photo of Mr Richard Stokes Mr Richard Stokes , Ipswich 12:00, 14 July 1947

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Holland can deliver 200,000 tons of vegetables to Germany between the beginning of this month and next February; and what arrangements have been made for their exchange for German industrial products.

Mr. McNeil:

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave to his similar Question on 11th June. Negotiations are progressing, but are not yet concluded.

Photo of Mr Richard Stokes Mr Richard Stokes , Ipswich

Is my right hon. Friend aware that that is precisely the answer which I received about a year ago and that after that answer nothing happened, so that vast quantities of vegetables were lost? Is he further aware that vegetables rot if they are not dealt with at once, and will he get a move on in his Department?

Mr. McNeil:

I promise my hon. Friend that, so far as my Department is concerned, I will see that something is done.

Photo of Sir Arthur Harvey Sir Arthur Harvey , Macclesfield

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable scope exists for trading between Holland and Germany, and that if it is allowed it will save the British taxpayers' money?

Secretary of State

Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.