12. Mr. J. JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that his Department has informed the Poplar Board of Guardians that in consequence of the plentiful supply of frozen meat in this country it is no longer necessary to supply the Board direct; whether he is also aware that since June, 1916, the Board have obtained their supplies of meat direct from the Queensland Government at prices lower than those quoted by contractors; and whether, in view of the fact that this arrangement has given satisfaction and has been in the interests of the ratepayers, he will allow it to continue?
§ Sir A. GEDDESThe arrangement to which the hon. Member refers was made in order to meet a special difficulty, and I do not think it desirable to authorise the continuance of that arrangement now that supplies of meat are ample.
Mr. JONESDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it fair that the Poplar Board of Guardians should pay more for their meat than they can buy it from the Queensland Government?
§ Sir A. GEDDESBut I am not aware that anybody is preventing the Poplar Board of Guardians buying their meat from the Queensland Government if they can make such an arrangement.
§ Sir A. GEDDESThat was a special arrangement to meet a special difficulty. If the Board of Trade is to become permanent butcher for the country it will require to be completely reorganised on a colossal scale.
Mr. JONESIs it true that the Board of Trade entered into an arrangement under which they could get their meat 488 at a certain price, while the general public were allowed to be fleeced?
§ Sir A. GEDDESNo, Sir, I pay the same price for my meat as anybody else.