BRITISH FOOD SUPPLIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 30 October 1939, Page 5

BRITISH FOOD SUPPLIES

■ SHIPS ARRIVING REGULARLY. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, October 27. An important statement on the food supply question was made to-day by the Minister for Food Control (Mr. W. S. Morrison). The position had improved, and there was no- reason for unduly restricted rationing, he said. Ships were arriving more regularly, and the output of margarine had increased. Imported bacon was now coming forward and there were ample supplies of tea. All margarine was of standard quality and was vitaminised, thus equalling butter in food value. It was being sold at a retail price of fid per lb. Butters were, not being mixed. Supplies were shorter, but district allocations were being expedited. Overseas trade during September was affected very considerably, as was to be expected, by the onset, of war. The prime causd was, no doubt, uncertainty over the dislocation caused bj’ the- change over from peace to war conditions. The requisitioning of vessels for expeditionary forces, the institution of the convoy system, the- diversion of shipping from non-essential to essential trades, and the special difficulties- of trade- with the Scandinavian countries were all contributing factors.

The immediate institution of machinery for controlling certain exports, comparable- with that which grew up gradually in the course- of the 1914191 S war, also affected various branches of export trade somewhat severely 7 at the outset. It was noteworthy, however, that, the reduction of exports in September, compared with a year earlier, was relatively smaller than in August, 1914. Imports- last month were valued at. £49.900,000. The reduction compared with September. 1935, was £25,100,000, or 33 per cent. At the outbreak of the- last war, the fall of imports- was rather' less—the figures for August, 1913 and 1914. showing a fall from £56,000,000 to £42.4004)00. or 24 per cent. The value of exports of United Kingdom goods in September, amounting to £23,100,00, was £16,700,000. or 42 per cent, less than in September, 1938. These figures exclude Government stores sent abroad for His Majesty’s forces. Comparative figures for August, 1913 and 1914, showed a reduction of 45 per cent. One of the principal reasons for the. decline in imports was the closing 01. the Mediterranean for three weeks. This also affected exports through the delay in ships’ arrivals and discharge. The position had been steadily improving, especially in the 1 last 10 days. The fall of exports should now progressively ease. September’s decline- was caused by (he cutting off of trade, with Germany and the drastic reduction of trade with neutral countries, especially Scandinavia. The Government han told exporters that, a wide range of war materials not subject to contain was readily obtainable.