HL Deb 06 April 1949 vol 161 cc1050-2WA
THE EARL OF MANSFIELD

asked His Majesty's Government whether it is correct that they are compelling Jamaica to buy tallow from Argentina at £234 per ton, while it is available from the United States of America at £80 per ton and, if so, whether they will immediately countermand this order, in view of the fact that both countries have to be paid in dollars, and that the unjustified extra expense of over £150,000 per annum will be an unnecessary burden on the people of Jamaica.

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS (THE EARL OF LISTOWEL)

The suggestion in the first part of the noble Earl's Question is not correct. Although Argentine tallow was bought last year, no allotment from that source has been made to Jamaica for 1949. A purchase is being made from the United States.

House adjourned at eighteen minutes past four o'clock.