§ 117. Mr. SWANasked the Minister of Food if he will state what effect the decontrol of meat is likely to have on the cost of living; and is he aware that the upward tendency of meat prices is likely to prevent most of the working classes from purchasing fresh meat.?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)It is too early to estimate the effect of the decontrol of home-killed meat upon the cost of living. In this connection, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply already given to the hon. Member for Pontypool (Mr. T. Griffiths).
§ Mr. SWANIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the enormous rise in the price in various parts of the country of late?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI am aware of it, and I think if the hon. Gentleman will refer to the reply I have mentioned, he will see that it is dealt with there.
§ Mr. RATCLIFFEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the general concensus of opinion amongst those who are best able to judge on this question, and who are in the trade itself, points to the fact that it will be only of very temporary duration; is he aware that it has risen chiefly on account of the scarcity of home-killed meat in the recent few weeks and the natural anxiety on the part of the consuming public; and is he aware—
§ Mr. STANTONIs he aware that we cannot hear what he is saying?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member seems to be giving information.
§ Mr. RATCLIFFEI am asking for it.
§ Mr. SPEAKERNo, he is giving more information than he gets.