asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the present low price of cocoa and the adverse effect which this is having on the British cotton textile export trade, he will consider whether any remedial effects can be achieved by increasing the quantities of cocoa which are being stored in this country under the scheme for increasing the food reserves of the country against emergency?

In view of the commercial stocks normally held in the United Kingdom I do not regard cocoa as a commodity in respect of which action should be taken under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Reserves Act.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether there is any alternative plan in view for meeting the situation due to the low price of cocoa?

That is a different question.