HC Deb 15 March 1910 vol 15 cc185-6
Mr. HAMILTON BENN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any official information as to criminal or other proceedings being taken against the companies forming the Beef Trust in the United States and if so, what charges have been made against them?

Mr. BUXTON

I have seen statements in the Press with regard to proceedings which are said to have been taken in the United States against certain meat packing companies for infringing the law with regard to combinations. I am taking steps to obtain further information on the subject.

Mr. HAMILTON BENN

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the number of chilling and freezing factories in South America controlled by the Beef Trust (United States) or companies under its control?

Mr. BUXTON

I have no official information as to a controlling interest having been acquired by United States companies in chilling or freezing factories in South America, other than the two factories in the Argentine Republic referred to in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Combinations in the Meat Trade which was issued last year.