asked the Minister of Food if he is purchasing maize from Brazil.

We cannot do so until we have come to a financial settlement with Brazil.

Is the Minister aware that Belgium recently bought considerable quantities of Brazilian maize, which, although at a high price, was certainly at a lower price than that obtained by the British Government from the Argentine, and will he consider trying to get some of this Brazilian maize?

I do not know the price which was paid by Belgium, but I doubt whether it bears out the statement made by the hon. and gallant Gentleman. This matter must await the financial settlement with Brazil.

Does that mean that Brazil is not prepared to accept sterling?

I do not think I ought to accept any implications on this matter, because an overall financial settlement is necessary.

Can the Minister say what quantities of maize have been offered to his Department and how much he hopes to acquire when suitable financial arrangements have been made?

The quantities are quite small—about 5,700 tons.

asked the Minister of Food what has happened to the 700,000 tons of maize purchased on British Government account in the early part of this year; and when does he expect shipments to this country to be completed.

Two hundred and eight thousand tons of Argentine maize had been shipped up to 22nd November. Shipment of the balance is expected to be completed by June, 1948.

Is the balance at the same price as the amount already obtained?

Yes.