Food News
Food is permanently in the news. After the skirmish on potato- rationing, with the Government energetically defending its position, further announcements indicate that at least some effort is being made to improve the situation. On the debit side must be put the state- ment that the potato allocation may not be maintained if weather affects the clamps ; but a small quantity of potatoes is being imported from South Africa and early potatoes will come from the Mediter- ranean, and in increased supply, it is hoped, from the Channel Islands. Shortage of dollars has caused a limitation of sugar sup- plies, which means a reduction of the sweet ration ; but it is hoped that in time the reduction may be made good from Commonwealth sources. The Empire generally is coming generously to the rescue. Australia came into the news on Wednesday, when it was announced that a Commission was to go there to discuss increased food pro- duction and review the whole range of livestock and crop products. There will be talks on eggs, beef and pig products ; palm oil from New Guinea and linseed and rice from sub-tropical Australia. New Zealand has already made large gifts of food ; South Africa, under the Loan Agreement announced in November, will send a variety of foods, including fruits, pulses and fish. Meanwhile, countries outside the Empire are not being disregarded. After the breakdown of negotiations with Denmark, the export of eggs at least has begun again, and will continue till the 1949-50 season. A Mission, including a Ministry of Food representative, is in Argentina at the moment. Clearly, the situation, though depressing, is not static.
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