BRITISH FOOD SUPPLY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25245, 25 July 1947, Page 7

BRITISH FOOD SUPPLY

PRODUCTION SCHEME FOR AUSTRALIA REPORTED DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON, July 24. Britain is discussing with Australia the possibility of making largescale contributions to the development in Australia of new industries to increase her food supplies, says the political correspondent of the “Daily Express.” Officials at Australia House and in Whitehall have already had 10 long talks on the subject. Britain has offered to contribute money and equipment, to give expert technical assistance, and to authorise emigration on a big scale to man the new industries. The aim is to put an intensive drive into early action, so that Australia can produce “first aid” food supplies for Britain, while colonial food-pro-ducing plans are being developed. The main foods to be considered would be meat, butter, cheese, oils, and nuts. Britain looks for more beef from Australia. The Australian development is likely to be only the first stage of a plan in which the other Dominions are to be invited to share.

In Brisbane, the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Chifley) announced that English capital might be used to set up a company in Australia for the production of food of a special type for Britain. He said he had had discussions with English companies about the preparation of certain foods in Australia. Britain’s fundamental problems were of great concern to Australia, which must give help as quickly and effectively as possible.