TNAG-0050-FCO40-86-Disturbances-essential-food-supplies-1968 — Page 56

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NOTE ON A MEETING AT THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES

AND FOOD ON 14 SEPTEMBER, TO DISCUSS ALTERNATIVE MEAT

SUPPLIES FOR HONG KONG.

Present:

Messrs. Philip Griffiths and G. Drabble (Vesty's)

Mr. N.J.P. Hutchinson (Ministry of Agriculture,

Fisheries and Food).

Mr. P.M. Hewitt (Commonwealth Office)

Mr. Drabble said that the Hong Kong Government had had consultations

with the meat trade in Hong Kong, but these were not detailed and dealt

mainly with registration of traders. There was some doubt in the trade

as to the accuracy of the consumption figures, particularly for frozen

meat, supplied by the Government; in any case, consumption would be

affected initially at least, by the reluctance of the people to change

from largely fresh meat to the frozen variety.

Emergency Short-term meat supplies.

2*

Messrs. Griffiths and Drabble said that if Chinese supplies were cut

off the Hong Kong Government need only approach the meat trade in the

Colony and a normal commercial response would ensure beef and mutton

supplies from alternative sources. Supplies bound for other ports could

be diverted and stocks in other places in the area shipped to Hong Kong

if needed.

CONFIDENTIAL

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