HC Deb 15 November 1955 vol 546 cc18-9W
61. Mr. Sorensen

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the increase in the importation of molasses to this country during the past seven years; what are the main sources of supply; and what steps are taken to ensure that this imported commodity conforms to an agreed standard of analysis.

Mr. Low

Imports of all types of molasses for the first nine months of 1955 expressed as an annual rate have increased 53 per cent. by quantity and 18 per cent. by value compared with 1948; figures for the intervening years, which have fluctuated considerably, are given below. The main source of supply is Cuba, followed by the West Indies, Indonesia and the United States. The last part of the Question is a matter for

Imports of Molasses in years 1948–54 1955 January-September
1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954
Quantity ('000 tons) 426 367 577 631 268 364 526 492
Value (£ million) 4.9 3.1 3.2 8.4 4.0 3.1 4.4 4.3