HC Deb 11 February 1948 vol 447 cc63-4W
56. Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Minister of Food whether, in his negotiations with the Australian Government, he has offered to buy the substantial quantities of Australian hams that are available.

Mr. Strachey

For the production year which started on 1st October last we have contracted to buy 750 tons of canned hams from the Australian Government. If we had contracted for more of this expensive commodity we should have been prejudicing our chances of getting frozen pork for curing to help out the bacon ration.