§ 39. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether the Shipping Controller is aware of the shortage of animal fats, oils, and margarine in the country; whether he can explain why premier jus, the best constituent in the making of margarine, is not on the priority list of articles for shipment from the Argentine; whether he is aware that 8,000 tons per month of premier jus could be shipped from the Argentine if permission were granted; whether the Argentine meat companies have for months past been pressing for permission to ship premier jus; whether he is aware of the accumulation of this commodity in the Argentine, and that the freezing companies' stores are blocked with it, interfering with the killing of animals and the 1428 shipment of chilled and frozen meat; whether he is aware that if he had granted permission for the shipment of premier jus in September last, when he was urged to do so, some 30,000 tons of this commodity would have been in this country or on its way here; whether he is. aware that one of the directors in his Ministry indicated in September last that hides for the War Office were of more importance, and suggested to the shippers of premier ins that every opportunity of shipment to other friendly countries rather than to the United Kingdom should be taken advantage of; whether it was only on the 17th of this month, after strong representations had been made, that permission was granted to ship 3,000 tons of premier jus and oleo oil; and if he can say whether this permission to ship 3,000 tons has been cancelled by his instructions of 23rd January cancelling 4,000 tons of priority cargo overdrawn for January?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYThere is an accumulation of foodstuffs of various kinds in the Plate, and any additional space provided for premier jus would be at the expense of grain. In determining the priority allocation of the space available, the Ministry of Shipping is guided by the view of the Food Controller. It is true that in September last the facilities for shipment from the Plate were such that the clearance of meat by-products was comparatively easy, and shippers were advised accordingly. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would respectfully submit that it is not in the national interest to publish details of the shipment of valuable cargoes of foodstuffs to this country. I may add that I do not want to refuse information to the hon. Member, and I should be very glad to give it to him privately.
§ Mr. HOUSTONIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that it is important for the people of this country to know that food is on the way to England? Is the hon. Gentleman not Chairman of the Tonnage Priority Committee?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYCertainly. I have the honour of holding that position. We do everything we can to give priority to food cargoes and will continue to do so.
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt is a very valuable material used in the manufacture of oleo-margarine. It is a by-product of the meat industry.
§ Major NEWMANHave I got to eat it?
§ Sir L. CHIOZZA MONEYIt is excellent material.