HC Deb 14 April 1948 vol 449 cc959-60
26. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many sheep are annually destroyed in the Falkland Islands for lack of export facilities; and whether he has any plans for providing tinning or refrigerating plant.

Mr. McNeil

I have been asked by my right hon. Friend to reply on his behalf in his absence in New York for the Special Assembly of the United Nations.

Sheep are bred in the Falklands principally for their wool. Because of shipping difficulties and the absence as yet of processing facilities, the carcasses of the 40 or 5o thousand sheep that are killed annually for tallow and skins are at present disposed of locally. As was stated in my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Chelsea (Commander Noble) on 10th February, discussions are now proceeding for an improvement of the facilities for export.

Mr. Keeling

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the 40,000 or 50,000 carcasses would make a very useful addition to the mutton supply of this country?

Mr. McNeil

No one has any doubt upon that, least of all my right hon. Friend, but, of course, the sheep cannot swim.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

If His Majesty's Government cannot find them, is it possible that the representatives of Argentine and Chile are disguised in some way?

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