HL Deb 27 November 1951 vol 174 c539

2.40 p.m.

VISCOUNT BLEDISLOE

My Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether, and if so, to what extent they anticipate increased imports of food from New Zealand arid other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire during the next twelve months.]

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, it is hoped in 1952 to import from sterling Commonwealth countries and the Colonies 4,500,000 tons of those foods and feeding-stuns which are bought by the Government. This is about 500,000 tons more than estimated imports of the same commodities from the same sources in 1951. Of the total increase, some 36,000 tons are expected to come from New Zealand. I am not in a position to give similar figures for private imports.

VISCOUNT BLEDISLOE

My Lords, arising out of that answer, may I ask whether the 36,000 tons includes any substantial quantities of meat?

LORD CARRINGTON

The 36,000 tons comprises mostly meat.