§ 65. Mr. LOOKERasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the market which exists for British bacon, ham, butter, and cheese amongst the British and foreign communities in India and throughout the British Colonies, and at other places where British communities exist under tropical conditions, and that this demand is at present largely supplied from sources outside Great Britain; and will he take steps to encourage the export of the commodities in question from this country in order to meet this demand?
§ Captain DOUGLAS HACKING (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)I have been asked to reply. The trade statistics of India show that two-thirds of the imports of foodstuffs mentioned in the question come from Great Britain. Varying amounts are also sent to other countries. I am consulting with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, as to whether any steps can usefully be taken to increase the export of the commodities in question.
§ Mr. LOOKERIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that great demand exists in many British Colonies and Dependencies for British produce, and can he not take steps to bring that possibility home to producers in this country?
§ Captain HACKINGThat is what my answer says.
§ Mr. RILEYMay I ask what proportion of the two-thirds of exports of these 2060 goods from this country are home products or re-exports of imports from other countries?
§ Captain HACKINGAs far as I know, they are all home produce.