§ 91. Mr. W. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a large stock of cattle and sheep exists in the lands bordering on the Bio Negro in Patagonia and in the region between the Rio Neuguen and the Andes Mountains, and that the nearest meat-freezing works it at Bahia Blanca; and whether, in view of the future of this part of the Argentine and the desirability of preventing the Argentine meat trade from falling under the complete domination of the Chicago companies, he will confer with one or other of the two British companies as to the practicability of establishing a frigorifico under British control either at Carmen de Patagones or at some convenient spot near the mouth of the Rio Negro, which frigorifico to be owned by the British Government and worked on the same principle as now applied to Las Palmas works?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe question of increasing the available sources of meat supplies is occupying my constant attention, and I will bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestion.
§ 92. Mr. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the absence of information for Parliament regarding the amount of Argentine and Australasian beef and mutton shipped to this country and afterwards transshipped to France, Italy, and other places for the use of the Allied Armies, he will also prevent the publication in shipping and other trade journals of the weekly statistics of meat shipments at Buenos Ayres by which the enemy, if the information is of any value to him, or any other persons can ascertain the destination of such cargoes, and so compile for themselves the information which it has been decided to withhold from Parliament?
§ Mr. PRETYMANIf my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of the publications to which he refers, I will look into the matter.