23. Mr. F. Wileyasked the Minister of Food the amount of butter imported during 1952 to the latest available date; and the amount of butter imported during the corresponding period in 1951.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeSixty-five thousand tons during the quarter ended 31st March, 1952, compared with 94,000 tons during the first quarter of 1951.
Mr. WilleyDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that this would mean a very serious supply situation, when over the years we have been accustomed to regard 4 oz. as the mimimum ration until the recent cut? Can he give the House any assurance that the position will improve during the year?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am afraid I cannot. It was an exceptional year for Denmark last year, as the hon. Member knows. He also knows what has been happening in Australia. [HON. MEMBERS: "Alibis."] It is not a question of alibis in connection with Australia. Australia has had a very severe drought and its exports are very small indeed.