It was not possible to import more than this quantity of maize in 1946 because the extreme and worldwide shortage of cereals for human consumption made it necessary for I.E.F.C. to rule that all cereals, including maize, must be reserved for human beings, and for this country to accept that ruling as part of the immense contribution which she made to the cause of world recovery. The cereals position of the world is still very serious, but fortunately maize at least is now in better supply. It is being widely used for purposes other than human consumption elsewhere, and this country cannot be called on to apply the same degree of rigid self-denial as she did last year. I have, therefore, been enabled to make arrangements which provide us with the prospect of much more substantial supplies during 1947. It is, of course, hardly possible to exaggerate the importance of beginning the rehabilitation of our livestock industry and an announcement will shortly be made in this connection.