Appendix A
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Security of Food Supplies in an Emergency
A. COMMODITIES,
•
Rice.
SUPPLIES OF WHICH ARE INDEPENDENT OF
CHINA
1.
Normal consumption of edible rice is now estimated at 21,000 tons a month, of which about 19,500 tons are imported, principally from Thailand and to a lesser extent from Indo-China and Burma. Since the beginning of 1955, rice has been coming in from mainland China, a traditional major source of supply, but imports from this source are unlikely at present to increase above 3,000 tons a month.
The aim is now to maintain a minimum stock of 35,000 tons, i.e. about two month's imported supply, which is considered to be the maximum that can be kept in present circumstances when there is a world glut and when prices are declining. This stock provides a ration of 12 ozs. per day for two months for all persons above the age of 12 years. Since several important elements in the normal diet, notably green vegetables, poultry, eggs and fresh sea food (see below) might also disappear from the market if supplies from China were cut off, provision is made for a rice ration per head at the normal level of consumption. The ration
could be cut to 8 ozs. in serious emergency, or if other supplies are available; this would increase the period covered by 50%.
Since the Government quitted the rice trade on 1st January, 1955, the reserve stock of 35,000 tons is being held by importers who in return for undertaking this legal obliga- tion are permitted the sole right of import. 35,000 tons is the reserve stock; if stocks in the hands of retailers and wholesalers, and rice in excess of 35,000 tons in the hands of importers, is taken into account, stocks are unlikely to be below 50,000 tons at any time.
If supplies from Thailand or Burma ceased, the Colony would have to rely on purchases from alternative sources, of which the United States, India and Australia at present appear to be the most promising. No special arrangements have been made for supplies from these sources. In the last resort, flour is acceptable as a rice substitute.
2.
Flour. Consumption for all purposes is estimated at 3,000 tons a month and main sources of supply are Canada, U.S.A., Japan and Australia. The opening of a local flour mill and large stocks held by importers make it unnecessary for Government to maintain a reserve. The aim is to ensure that stocks held commercially do not fall below 6 weeks minimum consumption. i.e. 3,800 tons. The average end-month stock of flour and wheat in terms of flour was 4,700 tons during 1954.
3.
Butter and Margarine. Commercial stocks of butter and margarine, consumed almost entirely by the European population, are always sufficient for 2 months supply at an estimated consumption of 120 tons a month. Australia, Netherlands and U.K. are the main sources of supply.
4.
Milk. The estimated monthly consumption of imported milk of all varieties is 600 tons. Main sources of supply are the Netherlands, Australia, U.K. and U.S.A. The Government maintain a stock of 470 tons of condensed milk which is con- sidered sufficient for two months if rationed.
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Sugar.
Normal consumption is belived Pagnsofh54eased
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