HC Deb 23 March 1949 vol 463 cc372-3
55. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Food what quantity of white flour has been imported during the most recent period of 12 months for which figures are available; and from what countries.

Mr. Strachey

The quantity of flour imported during the 12 months ended 28th February, 1949, was 783,411 tons mainly from Australia and Canada.

Mr. Keeling

Could the Minister state the purpose of this importation of white flour?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, the flour is imported to make bread.

Mr. Keeling

White bread?

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Would it not have been possible—I ask for information—to have imported this as whole grain so that we could have got the offal for feedingstuffs?

Mr. Strachey

That is true. We much prefer to import the highest possible proportion of wheat but it is necessary to take some proportion of flour, as we always did before the war.