HC Deb 29 February 1952 vol 496 cc211-2W
Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the fat cattle sold by the Queensland Food Corporation is shipped as meat to this country; and what proportion is consumed in Australia.

Major Lloyd George

My Department buys the whole of Australia's exportable surplus of beef to which the production of the Queensland Food Corporation contributes, but as the Corporation's cattle are sold to local slaughterers it is not possible to distinguish the Corporation's beef from other beef imported from Australia.

Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Food to what extent his Department is being consulted regarding the choice of the individuals who are to be invited by the Queensland British Food Corporation to confer on the problems confronting the Corporation.

Major Lloyd George

The choice of the individuals rests with the Corporation, but I have no doubt that my Department and the Queensland Government will be consulted before a final decision is reached.

Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Food how far the high variability of rainfall in Central Queensland was considered when it was decided to establish the Queensland British Food Corporation; and what has been the effect of the season's drought on the corporation's crop, cattle and pig production, and on its exports to this country.

Major Lloyd George

I understand that rainfall figures for the area were studied by the mission which visited Queensland in 1948 to investigate the possibilities of starting an agricultural enterprise. The severe drought last year reduced the yield of sorghum to 430,000 bushels as compared with 1,200,000 bushels in 1950. Exports are likely to be correspondingly lower. Sorghum stubbles and residues provided a valuable supplementary feed to the pastures during the dry weather. Cattle production was virtually unaffected. I have already dealt with the export position in reply to my hon. Friend's earlier Question. Some losses of pigs were sustained. As regards exports, the position is substantially the same as that of cattle.

Mr. J. Morrison

asked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied with the progress achieved by the Queensland British Food Corporation now that it has passed half its testing period of seven years.

Major Lloyd George

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd) on 27th February. It would be premature for me to express any view about the Corporation's achievements at this stage.