FOODSTUFFS FOR BRITAIN

Southland Times, Issue 24832, 26 August 1942, Page 5

FOODSTUFFS FOR BRITAIN

AUSTRALIAN EFFORT (Rec. 7.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Aug. 25. “The Commonwealth is working in the closest consultation with the British Government regarding the production of foodstuffs for Britain,” said the Minister of Supply, Mr J. A. Beasley, replying to a charge by Mr H. L. Anthony, a former Assistant Minister of Commerce that Australia was neglecting to supply Britain with food. _ Mr Beasley said the production of cheese in Australia was expedited last year at the expense of butter production in accordance with a request from London. This decision had been rescinded and the whole dairying industry was now operating on a production plan for the current year which should be a record under-the existing conditions. , _ Regarding the pig industry, Mr Beasley said the present state of the pig industry in Australia was caused by repeated changes in the policy of the British Government. “I do not blame the British Government for these changes, as there must be changes in every angle of the war front from week to week,” he said. “Britain was not told that she could not obtain eggs because she has not asked for eggs. The Minister of Commerce, Mr W. J. Scully, announced an embargo on the export of third grade mutton in order that service demands for dehydrated and canned supplies can be met . Mr Scully said the embargo would in no way affect exports to Britain as there were ample supplies. of higher grades to meet present requirements.