73. Colonel BURNasked the Minister of Food if there is sufficient meat stored at the docks to last three months, and a further three months' supply waiting to be discharged, in addition to home-killed meat; what are the total charges paid to-day to the Port of London Authority for the storage of this meat per week; what is the demurrage paid per steamer and the number of steamers waiting to be discharged owing to lack of storage room; and will those charges have to be added to the price of the meat and be paid by the public?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply to this question. There are in all the cold stores in the United Kingdom, in ships discharging in all ports, and in steamers waiting to discharge, about four months supply of imported meat, at the present rate of consumption, which, however, is rising. The storage rates charged by the Port of London Authority are, per ton of meat, 22s. plus 85 per cent. for the first month, 18s. 6d plus 85 per cent. for the second month, and 17s. 6d. plus 85 per cent. for the third month. Seven ships are waiting to be discharged. Rates of demurrage are at present under consideration. If meat is to be sold without loss, all charges on it must be included in the selling price.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask if the hon. Gentleman thinks it necessary to keep four months' stock of meat in storage?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir; but, as I explained yesterday, it was owing to the supplies from Australasia which were held up during the War, and are now coming in quite abnormal quantities.
§ Mr. THORNEIf a good deal of this meat was released would not the price of meat come down about threepence in the pound.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe question is how much loss would be incurred by the Government.
§ Mr. G. TERRELLCan the hon. Gentleman state the tonnage of frozen meat either in storage or on board ship?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a question of which the hon. Member should give notice.