British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume II - Page 823

CHAPTER XIX.
population of the towns and larger villages, the consumption of that part of the Arab community would be about 13 kgms. in 1930-31 and about 11 kgms. in 1937-38.

9. In view of Palestine's reliance on imports the supply position during the war years was one of extreme difficulty, but is now showing some sign of alleviation as a result of a partial removal of export embargos by the supplying countries (Iraq, Syria, Trans-Jordan and Turkey). Imports of cattle have been effected by Government through approved contractors and the supply and distribution of beef is totally controlled by Government. Beef retails at a subsidised price of 458 mils per kg. and it is estimated that the cost of the subsidy on beef for the financial year 1945/46 will amount to £P.l,200,000. The individual consumer is entitled to a ration of 180 grs. weekly (9.360 kgs, a year); this is a considerable increase on the effective ration in January, 1943, which was 60 grs. per week. There are signs of further improvement, but it is to be noted that the main pre-war sources of supply, Rumania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia, remain closed.

10. In step with the easing of the supply position Government control over mutton was abandoned in May/June, 1945, although a maximum selling price of 312 mils per kg. has been retained. Apart from limited local stocks, supplies are derived mainly from Middle East countries, principally Turkey and Iraq, and importers are experiencing little difficulty in securing their requirements. In order to exercise a stabilising effect on the market, Government has, up to the present, maintained a reserve of some 15,000 head of sheep.

11. The consumption of pork is confined largely to the Christian community and local supplies are sufficient to meet the demand. Supplies of ham and bacon are adequate and no control is exercised over production or distribution, the consumption of ham, bacon and pork sausages being almost entirely limited to hotels, restaurants and the Christian communities. Supplies of liver and beef sausages are sufficient to meet the requirements of the Jewish community.

FISH.

12. Before the war the bulk of Palestine's requirements of fish were imported; the following table illustrates the nature of the supply:-

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