§ 46. Sir David Robertsonasked the Minister of Food what quantities of Australian rabbits he intends to import during the next six months; and whether that amount represents Australia's exportable surplus for Britain.
§ The Minister of Food (Sir Benjamin Smith)I have agreed to buy at least 8,000 tons of rabbits from Australia and New Zealand this season, of which about 4,500 tons will come from Australia. With regard to the second part of the Question, I shall be glad to take all the supplies which both Australia and New Zealand can send me, and have already arranged to buy more Australian frozen rabbits this season than I did last.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWould the Minister bear in mind that the demand is very much greater than it was prewar and that the quantities he has just announced are very much less than prewar importations?
§ Sir B. SmithThe quantity before 1938 was about 9,000 tons and I am taking 8,000 tons, so that I am gradually getting back to it.