§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Food what approximate supplies of cheese are expected during 1949 from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the U.S.A., and other countries, respectively; how these compare with 1948 supplies; and what approximate quantity is required to provide a 2 ozs. average weekly cheese ration during 1949 as well as supplies to canteens, etc., on the present scales.
§ Mr. StracheyThe best estimate I can now make of supplies of cheese for the ration in 1948 is 165,000 tons, the sources of which are as follow:
'000tons United Kingdom … … 22 Australia … … 19 Canada … … 15 Eire … … 1 Holland … … 6 New Zealand … … 77 U.S.A. … … 25 165 In addition there are 6,500 tons of fancy cheese, either home-produced or imported from Europe, for sale on points.
It is not possible at this stage to give reliable detailed estimates for 1949. In the case of the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand where we buy the 244W whole production or exportable surplus the supply will depend largely on weather conditions. In the case of Canada we have provisionally contracted to buy about 22,000 tons. No contract for 1949 has yet been entered into with Holland. On the whole, I do not expect more than a relatively small increase over 1948 unless supplies from U.S.A. increase appreciably. I cannot at this stage forecast our dollar expenditure on U.S.A. cheese in 1949. To maintain the present priority ration of 12 ounces per week and to provide an ordinary ration of 2 ounces per week with appropriate allowances to caterers, institutions, services and ships' stores would require an annual supply of about 216,000 tons.