§ 39. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that there is a good deal of jobbing and speculation of meat on the London Central Meat Markets; if he is aware that as soon as beef prices look like going down any day the American Meat Trust managers go and buy or bid up all beef, especially the Morris Beef Company, who buy up English and Irish beef; if he can see his way clear to prevent the American Moat Trust managers from speculating in, and bidding up against the retail butcher for, the English and Irish beef on the London Central Meat Markets or any country livestock markets; if he is aware that the Armour Packing Company have been trying to corner the Irish poultry trade had have at present thousands of Irish chickens in cold storage at Lurgan; and if he is aware that they are holding them up for higher prices in May and June?
Captain BATHURSTThere seems to be no adequate foundation for the suggestion contained in the first part of this question. I understand that firms which have previously confined their operations to imported meat have, owing to the reduced supplies of frozen and chilled meat, purchased in the home markets for the purpose of maintaining their normal trade. The Food Controller, with the assistance of the Irish Department of Agriculture, is making inquiries into the alleged holding up of poultry at Lurgan. I may perhaps add on the general question of stocks of meat, that the returns obtained by the Ministry of Food from all the principal cold stores and warehouses in the United Kingdom, show that the total quantity of all meat in store on the 1st March was only 0.6 per cent. more than on the 1st February.
§ Mr. THORNEWould it be possible to send someone with authority to visit the 703 meat markets and watch this American beef firm, and if they are jumping up the prices prosecute them?
Captain BATHURSTThat has already been done, and will continue to be done in any case where there seems to be reasonable ground for suspicion. I may perhaps point out that the American Association have their customers in this country, who look to them to provide their reasonable quota of meat from some source or another.
§ Mr. THORNEIf I send the hon. and gallant Gentleman a letter I have received in connection with this firm buying three or four hundred heads of cattle last Saturday week, will he inquire into the matter?
Captain BATHURSTYes. I have already received voluminous correspondence from the hon. Member and shall be only too glad to receive more.