§ 68. Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that at Hayward's Heath market, held on 9th July, good fat lambs were selling at 45s. a piece, which is about £1 a head less than last year and considerably less than in pre-war times; and whether, in view of the fact that a farmer's outgoings, except rent, have 1051 risen over 100 per cent., and of the impossibility of selling lambs at these prices except at a loss, he will consider the possibility of at once allowing a higher price for lamb than the present price for mutton?
§ Mr. PARKERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, although I cannot agree with the view taken by the hon. Member as to the relation between present and former prices. The suggestion in the last part of the question has been carefully considered, but in view of the general meat rationing scheme it has not been thought practicable to differentiate between the prices of the various qualities of meat. Such farmers as have produced fat lamb have done so with full knowledge of this decision, and in the circumstances have no legitimate ground of complaint.
§ Mr. WATTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, if farmers are not treated with more consideration in respect of their sales, there will be no meat in the market in six months' time?
§ Mr. PARKERI am not aware of that, but I am aware of the fact that a farmer considers himself fortunate if he was getting 38s. per head for his lamb prior to the War and is now getting 45s.
§ 69. Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether at Hayward's Heath Market, held on 9th July, after the cattle and sheep had been graded by the regularly appointed committee, consisting of a farmer, a butcher, and the auctioneer, and the weights fixed, a Government official, after ascertaining the weights and grades so fixed by the committee, proceeded to alter the same and override the committee; if so, by whom this Government official is appointed, and under what authority, Statutory or otherwise, he acts; and, if he has power to override the committee, what advantage there is in retaining their services?
§ Mr. PARKERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Grading sub-commissioners were appointed last February, in order to obviate the complaints of irregular grading in many districts. They are authorised and required by the Food Controller to intervene whenever the grading in any market appears to be incorrect, and to fix the actual grades in case of disagreement. 1052 Their powers are supplemental to those of the grading committees, and the need for intervention is becoming increasingly rare.