74. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on recent negotiations with Australia and the Argentine for supplies of meat and New Zealand for dairy products.
Dr. HillRecent negotiations with Australia on meat supplies resulted in a 15-year agreement of which I am placing copies in the Library of the House. There have been no further negotiations for the purchase of meat from Argentina since those which ended in April last with the signature of a protocol supplementing the Trade and Payments Agreement of 1949.
We have a long-term contract with New Zealand on dairy products which runs until 1955 and under which we take almost the whole of New Zealand's exportable surplus. There is provision for an annual review of prices and last June it was agreed that prices should be increased by 7½ per cent.
§ 77. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Food what percentage of the rationed meat issued for consumption in the United Kingdom is issued to restaurants, canteens and clubs, respectively.
Dr. HillThe figures for the first six months of 1951 are 3.9 per cent. to restaurants, 3.4 per cent. to industrial canteens, 5.6 per cent. to day-school canteens, and 0.3 per cent. to clubs.
§ 85. Mr. Royleasked the Minister of Food what quantity of carcase meat was sold to the United States Forces stationed in Great Britain in the past month.
Dr. HillNone. The United States Forces in this country bring in their own supplies of carcase meat.