§ 2. Mr. Pageasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the volume of imports of yeast for the last convenient twelve months' period; how it compares with previous periods; from what countries yeast is imported; and Whether he is aware that the capacity for production of yeast in this country exceeds the present demand, with the result that a closing of some of that capacity is now contemplated.
Mr. AmoryIn the calendar year 1956 imports of yeast were 2,816 tons. In the years 1955, 1954 and 1953 imports were 2,355, 1,515 and 818 tons respectively. The main sources of supply in 1956 were the Netherlands, Eire and South Africa.
I understand that productive capacity in the United Kingdom for bakers' yeast exceeds current demand and is being reduced.