HC Deb 20 March 1917 vol 91 cc1704-5
40. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade is he can say what are the total imports of Canadian frozen beef since 1st November; how much was imported on account of the Swift, Armour, and Morris companies, and what were the names of any others importing these goods; and why is no arrangement made with the Canadian Government similar to that made with the Colonial Governments of Australia and New Zealand?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. George Roberts)

Imports of frozen beef from Canada are not shown separately in the Monthly Trade Accounts, but the total quantity imported from "other countries"(including Canada, South Africa, and Brazil) in the four months (November, 1916, to February, 1917) was 5,627 tons. We have no knowledge of the shippers. The Canadian Government have not found themselves in a position to buy meat for us, but they help us in various ways. In the period in question we have bought 10,200 tons of frozen meat from Canadian firms for the Armies, and are buying more as far as we can.