§ 37. Commander MARSDENasked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of the total food consumed in Great Britain is imported, and what is this amount in tons?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe latest information on this subject is contained in the "Report on the Agricultural Output and Food Supplies of Great Britain" issued in 1929, which indicated that about 40 per cent. by value of our food supplies were home produced. Owing to the varying nature of the commodities comprised in the food supply, a total figure cannot be given by reference to weight.
§ Mr. LENNOX-BOYDDo the figures that the right hon. Gentleman has just mentioned represent an increase over last year in the volume of the competitive imported foodstuffs?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThese figures were issued in 1929, and they are based on the years 1924–1927.