Ships From North Africa (Ballast)

51.

Mr. Douglas
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will obtain fruit, or other foodstuffs, for use as ballast in vessels return-log from North Africa instead of Algerian wine?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)
Fruit is not suitable for shipment as ballast, nor should it be supposed that any substantial amount of foodstuffs are in excess supply and available for export in North Africa at present. My hon. Friend may rest assured that if foodstuffs become available they will be brought to this country whenever practicable.

Mr. Douglas
Will there not be an improvement in the food situation now?

Mr. Mabane
As I said, it would be false to suppose that there is any substantial excess of food supplies in North Africa.

Commander Locker-Lampson
Has the Minister been told whether it is good Algerian wine?

Mr. Mabane
That is a matter of opinion.

Sir Alfred Beit
Why is it that the wine, having been brought to this country, is not yet made available to the public?