492 



IMPORTS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE IN 1903. 



The following tables, which have been compiled from the 

 Trade and Navigation Returns, show the quantities and values 

 of the principal articles of agricultural produce imported into 

 the United Kingdom during the past year compared with 

 similar imports for 1902. 



The imports of live animals show a considerable increase 

 over the figures for 1902, mainly attributable to the large 

 increase in the numbers received from Canada, which sent us 

 more than double the number of cattle and over 50 per cent, 

 more sheep. The resumption of the shipments of live animals 

 from Argentina for three months in the spring of the year also 

 accounts for part of the increase, but the United States show 

 a falling off in the number both of cattle and of sheep, 

 22,674 fewer cattle and 61,841 fewer sheep having been received 

 in 1903 as compared with 1902. The changes in number 

 of the animals recorded from the countries mentioned are, 

 however, due, on the one hand, to the closing of the New 

 England ports consequent upon the outbreak of foot-and- 

 mouth disease in the United States, and, on the other, 

 to the re-admission of Argentine stock (for slaughter) 

 into this country. The average value per head of the 

 cattle imported in 1903 was £iy 12s. 3d., and of sheep 

 £1 10s. iod., as against ;£i8 12s. yd. and £1 us. in 1902. 



The imports of fresh beef from the United States have 

 increased since last year, but they have not yet reached the 

 figure for 1901, and the same remark applies to Australia, while 

 New Zealand sent us 77,427 cwt. less than in 1902. The total 

 amount received shows an increase of 452,219 cwt., the 

 Argentine supply being 228,463 cwt. more than in 1902. The 

 declared value of the fresh beef imported was 40s. 3d. per cwt. 

 in 1903 and 42s. 8d. per cwt. in 1902. 



