§ Mr. Garry Allighanasked the Minister of Food what are the totals of olive oil imported and retail-sold in this country during the last assessable quarter and the relative prewar period; and what are the causes for the present shortage.
§ Mr. StracheyImports of olive oil during the quarter ended 31st March, 1946, were ro6 tons; imports during the quarter ended' 31st March, 1939, were 2,978 tons. The oil imported in 1946 was for medicinal purpose only, but I am unable to say how much was sold by retail.
The present shortage of olive oil is due to the world shortage of oils and fats generally. Countries which used to export olive oil have either prohibited exports or insist upon an equivalent tonnage of other oils which we cannot spare.