HC Deb 30 June 1908 vol 191 cc582-3
MR. BOWERMAN (Deptford)

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that on 17th and 24th June, when no markets were held at the Deptford Cattle Market, there were present in the lairages of that market 1,200 and 1,400 head, respectively, of cattle from the United States and Canada, the property of, or controlled by, the American Beef Trust firms, and that, although there were many English buyers present, the cattle were not offered for sale; whether he is aware that these cattle have since been slaughtered and put into cold storage by and for the trust, to be placed upon the market at prices at present entirely under their own control and regulation; and whether, in the public interest, the Board will institute some inquiry into the question of the meat supply of this country.

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

The Board are aware that there were a certain number of cattle in the lairages on the dates mentioned and that they were subsequently slaughtered, but they do not know what was the ultimate destination of the carcases. They were not retained in cold storage at Deptford Wharf. The Board do not think that any advantage would be gained by the institution of the inquiry proposed.

MR. BOWERMAN

Is it not the case that the withholding of cattle from sale under these circumstances was a breach of the regulations governing the Deptford Market? Can the hon. Baronet give the House any substantial reason for the refusal of the Board of Agriculture to institute any inquiry, especially having regard to the serious rise in price of meat in London?

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

I cannot answer the first Question. I must ask for notice of it. As regards the advisability of having an inquiry into the Meat Trust, it is on all fours with the desirability of inquiring into all trusts which are likely to raise the price of food and other commodities. I rather think the question is under the serious consideration of the President of the Board of Trade.

LORD R. CECIL (Marylebone, E.)

Will the hon. Gentleman not consider on behalf of the Government the desirability of appointing a Select Committee to inquire into this very serious matter?

SIR EDWARD STRACHEY

That Question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.