§ 73. Major HOWARDasked the Food Controller whether, seeing that imported meat is 3d. per lb. cheaper than home killed, he will at once discontinue the control of home-produced meat and the head charges thereon; and, if not, will he explain why this course is not adopted?
§ THE MINISTER OF FOOD (MR. G. ROBERTS)As the difference between the price of imported and home-produced meat is not in itself a sufficient safeguard against an undue rise in the price of the latter, I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion put forward by the hon. and gallant Member.
§ Major HOWARDIs it not a fact that the higher price of home-produced meat is the direct result of the head charges levied by the right hon. Gentleman's Department at all the markets, and that the money collected is being used to pay a horde of inefficient officials and for the carriage on imported meat?
§ Mr. ROBERTSCertain expenses of officials have to be met, and I am also using the money for the benefit of the consumer.
§ 76. Major WHELERasked the Food Controller whether, in view of his decision to maintain control of the prices of beef and mutton throughout the winter and of the serious difficulty that farmers will be placed in in fattening stock owing to the light crops of hay, straw, and turnips, caused by the drought, he will undertake to state the winter control prices of beef and mutton before the end of July?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI regret that owing to the difficulties involved in the fixing of the scale of prices I am not in a position to give the undertaking referred to. The question is under immediate consideration, and an announcement will be made at the earliest possible moment.
§ Major WHELERDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that if he wants home production in the winter he should at the earliest moment let the farmers know the prices he intends to fix?
§ Mr. ROBERTSMy reply states that it will be done as early as possible.
§ Major WHELERI asked that we should have the prices before the end of July, and the time is getting on?
§ Mr. ROBERTSI can only promise to give it at the earliest opportunity.
§ Major HOWARDIn order to prevent high prices, will the right hon. Gentleman withdraw the charges which press so heavily on traders?
An HON. MEMBERMay I ask if there is any intention of limiting the price of foodstuffs of various kinds, especially linseed and oil and cotton cakes, in order that farmers may be able to produce meat?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThose matters do not come directly under my Department, but I have considered them and have made representations to the Government, and we are proposing to take steps in order to deal with the question.
§ 79. Mr. FOREMANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that the very short hay crop, combined with the poor root prospect and the scarcity and high prices of feeding stuffs, is exercising a prejudicial effect upon the supply of meat during the coming winter; and whether he is taking all necessary measures in advance to stimulate importation?
§ Mr. ROBERTSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, steps are being taken to ensure that adequate supplies of imported meat are available during the winter.
§ Major HOWARDWhat steps are being taken to increase home production?
§ Mr. ROBERTSIt is not possible for me to state in reply to a question across the floor, but there are many steps which are being taken. I am in constant co-operation with the Board of Agriculture with a view to stimulating home production.