§ Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) whether he is aware that bicycle manufacturers in the United Kingdom make machines comparable in price and quality with those produced in West Germany; and if he will ensure that the Navy, Army and Air Force 24W Institutes stock more British-made bicycles in their shops in West Germany;
(2) if he will ensure that Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes shops in West Germany stock deep-frozen meat produced in the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth;
(3) if he will ensure that Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes shops in West Germany stock long-lasting milk produced on United Kingdom farms.
§ Mr. BoydenN.A.A.F.I. promote the sale of British rather than foreign goods whenever possible and this policy is being energetically pursued, particularly by means of the "Buy British" campaign now being conducted among the Forces and families stationed in West Germany.
N.A.A.F.I. stock a range of British bicycles and will obtain any particular make or model which is asked for. The bicycle market is a highly competitive one and the demand is small. It is N.A.A.F.I.'s commercial judgment that carrying greater stocks would not stimulate sales.
Meat produced in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth is on sale in N.A.A.F.I. shops in West Germany. As part of measures already in hand, butchery facilities are being expanded with the object of increasing this trade.
The price at which long-lasting milk exported from the United Kingdom can be sold in West Germany is considerably higher than that of fresh milk obtainable locally. Until such time as prices can be made more competitive it is again N.A.A.F.I.'s considered judgment that there is unlikely to be a market of any size for the long-lasting variety.