§ 15. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the supplies of beef, both home-produced and imported, for this year compare with the supplies for the corresponding period last year.
§ Mr. GodberTotal supplies of home-produced and imported beef and veal during January to April, 1959, amounted to 360,000 tons compared with 416,000 tons in the corresponding period last year. Of these figures home supplies amount to 252,000 tons and 291,000 tons, respectively. Supplies are expected to improve during the second half of the year.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the very serious shortfall of beef supplies, is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that every possible step is being taken to supplement those supplies and to prevent their being diverted to other countries?
§ Mr. GodberI would not say that it is such a very severe shortage, because there have been other supplies of meat available. As I have indicated, further supplies are coming forward. There was a Question only last week about supplies coming from Rhodesia, and there are increased quantities coming from Australia at present. I would remind the hon. Member that, although there was a shortfall on the position last year, it is still very much better than it was a few years ago.