HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 cc685-6
7. Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Lipton

asked the Minister of Food what dollar expenditure is incurred by importing hog-casings from the United States of America; and what measures are being taken to encourage the use of hog-casings from the sterling area.

Major Lloyd George

One thousand five hundred and twenty-two tons of hog-casings valued at £1,331,923 c.i.f. were imported from the United States of America during the year ended 31st December, 1951. There is no restriction on their import from the sterling area.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

In view of the unnecessary dollar expenditure which has been and still is being incurred, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman stop American imports of sausage skins until all available supplies from home sources and from the sterling area are utilised?

Major Lloyd George

We shall, of course, try and save all the dollars we can, but the fact is that at the moment the main source of supply is the United States.