HC Deb 29 July 1908 vol 193 cc1491-2
MR. COURTHOPE (Sussex, Rye)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Committee upon moat prices will sit; and whether their sittings will be public.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Dundee

I understand that the first meeting of the Departmental Committee upon combinations in the meat trade has boon fixed for Friday next, 31st July. As at present advised I see no reason for any departure from the usual practice that the meetings of Departmental Committees are not open to the public.

MR. COURTHOPE

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries was consulted as to the appointment of the Committee to inquire into the price of meat, and agreed to the proposed composition of the Committee.

MR. CHURCHILL

Yes, Sir.

MR. COURTHOPE

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether in view of the importance to British agriculture of the question of meat supply, and the inadequate representation of the agricultural interest upon the proposed Committee to inquire into the moat prices, he will postpone the inquiry until the Autumn Session in order to enable the question to be adequately discussed in the House of Commons.

MR. CHURCHILL

I have already informed the hon. Member that the Committee has appointed Friday next, the 31st July for its first meeting. As the reference to the Committee is limited to an inquiry as to the existence and influence of combination of companies or firms in the meat trade of this country I have no reason to suppose that any specific representation of the agricultural interest is necessary, or that a postponement of the enquiry is desirable.

MR. HICKS BEACH (Gloucestershire, Tewkesbury)

Am I to understand that the scope of the Committee will be strictly confined, and that they will not inquire into the desirability or otherwise of removing the restrictions on the importance of Canadian cattle?

MR. CHURCHILL

It will not touch the agricultural side of the question. The Committee are to inquire into the economic and financial results of the operations of the beef trust.