§ 15. Major NEWMANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department have effective control of the various cold storage establishments both for meat or other food products throughout the country; and, if so, can he account for the difference in price between meat in Australia or the Argentine and the same meat when sold to the public here at Home?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)The Government have not taken over the cold stores though a large amount of the space available is used for Government purposes. The difference between the purchase price of mutton in Australia and the sale price of such mutton in this country is due to the costs incidental to transport and distribution, of which cold storage is only one item. The importation of Argentine beef for civilian purposes is not controlled by the Government, and the prices are determined by market conditions here.
§ Major NEWMANIs it not obvious that these cold storage establishments could hold up a large quantity of meat and keep it off the market, thereby forcing up the market price?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI will represent what the hon. Gentleman says to the Ministry of Food.
§ Mr. BILLINGMay I ask whether the Government have all the facilities for cold storage that they require, or whether further facilities will be required?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI will also make that representation.