§ 60. Lieut.-Colonel Wickhamasked the Minister of Food whether any proposed arrangement regarding the supply of meat from Argentina is now under consideration; and whether special regard will be paid to the expected large increase in the export of Australian beef to this country.
§ Colonel LlewellinThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. Agreement has been reached between the Governments of the United Kingdom and Australia for the sale to the United Kingdom of the whole of her exportable surplus of beef, mutton and lamb for the next four years. I am circulating a full statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Lieut.-Colonel WickhamCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether similar arrangements exist with regard to dairy produce?
§ Colonel LlewellinYes, Sir. We are buying all Australia's exportable surplus of butter and cheese until 30th June, 1948.
§ Following is the statement:
§ Agreement has been reached between the Governments of the United Kingdom and Australia for the sale to the United Kingdom of the exportable surpluses of Australian butter and cheese until 30th June, 1948, and of beef, mutton and lamb until 30th September, 1948. In addition the United Kingdom will purchase the exportable surplus of pig meat up till the end of September, 1946, and thereafter such quantities as may be agreed. Further, the United Kingdom will purchase the total exportable surplus of Australian eggs for the seasons 1944–1945 and 1945–1946 and a quantity not exceeding one million cases of eggs for the season 1946–1947.
§ The final details as to the prices to be paid for meat and dairy products are still 241 under discussion. Prices as well as other provisions of agreement are subject to review at the end of two years on the grounds of substantial changes in conditions.
§ The United Kingdom Government are making these arrangements as part of their policy for safeguarding food supplies for the United Kingdom during the next few years. The supplies which will thus be made available will, of course, meet only a part of the United Kingdom's needs and, so long as combined planning for the international distribution of meat, dairy products and eggs continues, will be subject thereto.