HC Deb 08 June 1959 vol 606 cc619-20
27. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increases are expected in imports of beef from the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Mr. Godber

During the first quarter of this year, the United Kingdom received 1,320 tons of beef from the Federation, all of it from Southern Rhodesia. These are the first significant imports from these territories for many years. My right hon. Friend understands that the Federation hopes to export a total of five or six thousand tons of beef to Europe during the year, most of which is likely to come to this country.

Mr. Russell

While thanking my hon. Friend for that Answer, may I ask if he will consider giving every encouragement to the importers here to take Federation meat when it is available?

Mr. Godber

I do not think that there is any need for specific steps. This meat is being readily absorbed.