§ Mr. Dodds-Parkerasked the Minister of Food why the price recently offered for canned rabbit in Australia was so low in relation to the price of rabbit carcases that it was impossible for canners to supply this product on an economic basis at the price offered.
§ Mr. StracheyCanned rabbits are not purchased by the Ministry of Food but limited supplies are imported from Australia and New Zealand under individual licence by private traders. These supplies are supplementary to the Ministry's own substantial purchases of frozen rabbits from the Dominions and are intended only to absorb rabbits which are not taken by the frozen trade. The maximum prices at which I am willing to recommend the importation of canned rabbits have regard to the necessity for safeguarding the more important supplies of frozen rabbits. Experience has shown however, that the prices are sufficiently high to permit of the limited trading which is intended.