HALF FROM EMPIRE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 84, 3 January 1935, Page 7

HALF FROM EMPIRE

British Imports of

Foodstuffs INCREASING SHARE Rise of 21 Per Cent. Since 1931 By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received January 2. 9.5 p.m.) London, January 2. The “Financial News” says that since 1931 Britain’s consumption of all Empire produce has increased by i’l per cent, and consumption of foreign produce has fallen by 25 per cent. The Empire now supplies just 50 per cent, of our total imports of foodsluffs. EXPIRING IN MARCH Britain’s Cattle Subsidy FURTHER HELP LIKELY - London, January 1. The “Daily Telegraph” states that the agricultural cattle subsidy is due to expire on March 31, but it is most unlikely that the Industry will then be left to fend for itself. It is most important that the Government’s intentions should be revealed at tho earliest possible moment, for as long as uncertainty persists half-fed cattle will continue to be thrown on the market to make certain of obtaining the subsidy. It is most unfortunate that a hitch occurred in the negotiations with the Dominions. No longterm policy can possibly be brought to full effect till March. The necessary legislation could not be carried by Parliament. A sign of increasing prosperity in London is shown by the larger supplies of meat passing through Smithfield market. The 1931 total exceeded 1933 by 9381 tons. despite the drop of 7237 tons of mutton and lamb. The greatest increase was 16,379 tons of beef from the Empire and overseas sources, while British arid Irish rose by only 224' tons.