HC Deb 15 April 1918 vol 105 cc8-10
34. Mr. BUTLER LLOYD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to place Irish fat stock under the same restrictions as prevail in Great Britain, as otherwise it is feared by agriculturists that the present unrestricted prices will have a harmful effect on the supply of aged store cattle suitable for grazing our best pastures; and is he aware that fat cattle in Ireland are selling up to 100s. per cwt. live-weight, which is 15s. to 20s. per cwt. higher than English graziers can afford to pay?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)

I cannot usefully add anything to the answer given last Thursday on this question, except to repeat that in future Irish fat cattle will be sold in Great Britain under the same restrictions as apply to all cattle fit for slaughter in that country.

Mr. DILLON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the restrictions and interference of the Food Controller in the Irish cattle trade has largely contributed to the scarcity of meat in this country for the last three months?

Mr. CLYNES

The withholding of meat in Ireland will, of course, largely con- tribute to the scarcity of food here. Many of the points raised in this question were covered fully in the answer given last Thursday.

Mr. CRUMLEY

Will the hon. Gentleman advise the Food Controller to leave an open market for fat cattle and other kinds of cattle, and let us have reasonable prices to meet the wishes of the people of Great Britain?

Mr. CLYNES

It is impossible under war conditions to conduct business in cattle as was the case prior to the War. But in all the arrangements we make we are constantly in consultation with the representatives of the Irish cattle industry.

Mr. CRUMLEY

Is it not the fact that all the rules that have been put into force have been violated both in Great Britain and in Ireland? Will the hon. Gentleman advise the Food Controller to take off the restrictions in price, and allow the market to control itself?

Mr. CLYNES

It is true that here and there there have been violations of the arrangements: that, however, is not an argument for taking off the restrictions, but rather for enforcing them.

Mr. FIELD

Is it not the fact that, notwithstanding the representations of men of experience in the Irish live-stock trade, their advice is very seldom taken; in fact, that the opposite course is the one generally followed by the Food Controller?

Mr. CLYNES

There is some difficulty in accepting the advice because of the differing form in which it is given.

Mr. LLOYD

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, "is he aware that fat cattle in Ireland are selling up to 100s. per cwt. live-weight, which is 15s. to 20s. per cwt. higher than English graziers can afford to pay?"

Mr. CLYNES

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the terms of the reply of last Thursday in respect to that.

Mr. DIXON

Could not the price of fat cattle in Ireland be made the same as in England?

Mr. DILLON

You run a risk of getting no meat at all.

Mr. DIXON

Why not make the prices the same in both countries; why is Ireland given the preference?

Mr. DILLON

You will get no meat at All.

Mr. CLYNES

The reply of last Thursday shows that the present arrangements are designed to equalise the conditions in both England and Ireland.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Will the conditions as to coal also be equalised?

Mr. CLYNES

I should hope so, but coal is not in my line.