HC Deb 24 May 1950 vol 475 cc2065-6
58. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Food the total imports of fats and oils in the years 1947, 1948 and 1949 and the figures for exports in the same years.

Mr. Webb

According to my Department's records the import figures are as follow:

  • 1947–1,092 thousand long tons.
  • 1948–1,185 thousand long tons.
  • 1949–1,321 thousand long tons.
The export figures were:
  • 1947–18 thousand long tons.
  • 1948–46 thousand long tons.
  • 1949–20 thousand long tons.
All these figures are in terms of oil or pure fat.

Dr. Stross

Are imports now almost as high as they were pre-war?

Mr. Webb

Yes, Sir.

Sir H. Williams

Could the Minister say how long is "a long ton"?

62. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Food the consumption per head of population in the United Kingdom of fats and oils, excluding the amounts used for industrial purposes, such as paint and linoleum, for the years 1946, 1947, 1948 and 1949.

Mr. Webb

The average annual consumption per head of fats and oils as food, expressed in terms of fat content, was as follows: 1946, 34.7 1b.; 1947, 33.9 lb.; 1948, 38.1 lb. and 1949, 44.0 lb.

Dr. Stross

Could my right hon. Friend say whether the figures he has given me are approximately the same as pre-war consumption, or are they higher or lower?

Mr. Webb

Not without notice.