HC Deb 05 July 1967 vol 749 cc1798-9
16. Mr. Hooson

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost in 1966–67 of purchasing poultry from Denmark for consumption by British forces in the Far East.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. Maurice Foley)

The cost of purchasing poultry from Denmark in 1966–67 for consumption by British forces in the Far East was £78,000.

Mr. Hooson

As many of our own farmers are unable to sell their poultry, is it not ridiculous that British forces buy their poultry from overseas when they could easily be supplied by our own producers?

Sir G. Nabarro

Worcestershire pullets.

Mr. Foley

As the hon. and learned Member will know from a previous Question, the contract is placed locally in Singapore, and the suppliers, depending on availability, obtain their supplies in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and so on.