Britain Stops All Purchases Of U.S. Tobacco

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 October 1947, Page 7

Britain Stops All Purchases Of U.S. Tobacco

(Rec. 2 p.m.) LONDON, October 23. Sir Stafford Cripps announced in the House of Commons that Britain had stopped all purchases of American tobacco this year. Before tobacco sales started again next sunjmer, they should be able to decide whether and how far they were able to reenter the market.

He added that stpcks were sufficient to maintain the present consumption until the summer, but if people consumed much now they would be able to get very little in 1949. It became more urgent than ever for everyone to restrict the consumption of tobacco. According to a Washington message consternation among American growers and the Congressmen who represent their interests has been caused by the news that Britain has decided to halt her purchases of tobacco. “This is shocking news,” said ■Representative Charles B. Deane (Democrat, North Carolina). “The earlier statements that Britain'would cut her purchases by one-third were bad enough, but this will have most serious repercussions throughout the " industry.” A tobacco industry spokesman pointed out that they exported 600,000,0001 b of tobacco last year, two-thirds of whichbwent to Britain. They estimated that the present British stocks at 365,000.0001 b or enough for consumption for a year and a half at the present reduced rate.