§ 130. Mr. W. THORNEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that in June, 1915, he undertook to consider the question of getting larger meat supplies from the Republic of Brazil, and that three or four weeks after this promise satisfactory shipments arrived from that country, his Department then took any steps to develop this supply; if so, what steps were taken; whether, in view of the recommendation of the Food 1543 Prices Committee that the Government should expedite the establishment of refrigerators at Rio Janeiro, Santos, or Bahia, any commencement had been made in that direction; whether meat freezing in the port of Santos was still done in a Royal Mail refrigerated lighter; and whether he is aware that the last Brazilian census gave the number of cattle from twenty-five to thirty millions?
Mr. RUNCIMANIt is only possible to provide a small amount of tonnage for chilled beef from Brazil, but it has been increased during the past twelve months. The exportation of frozen beef from Brazil for the use of the Allied Forces has been considerably increased and has nearly reached the maximum of the present plant. The recommendation of the Departmental Committee on Prices is under consideration by the Board. I am informed that one meat—freezing works at Santos has increased its freezing capacity by the acquisition of a refrigerated lighter. I would point out that, although the number of cattle in Brazil is undoubtedly very large, they are not all of quality satisfactory for export.