§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the present food position in Mauritius; and whether he is aware of the shortage of salt in the island and the need for price control.
§ Colonel StanleyIn view of its isolated situation and of the fact that the island requires to import a large proportion of its essential food requirements, the maintenance of Mauritius's food supplies has for some time required special attention. Arrangements have been made for regular imports of flour and for stocks to be maintained at a satisfactory level. Most other imported food supplies are also being maintained in satisfactory quantity with the exception that great difficulty has been encountered in maintaining supplies of meat, which has to be imported in the form of live cattle. Arrangements have, however, now been made which should result in increased supplies of meat. In addition, there has been a substantial increase in the production of food for local consumption. I have just been informed by the Governor that salt stocks are causing him some concern as a result of a decline in production owing to unfavourable weather conditions. Arrangements are being made for importation of supplies. The Governor has full powers to control prices and my information is that he is exercising them in all necessary cases.