§ 69. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the Government purchased from Australia in 1917–18 50,000,000 rabbits, and that the normal number of imported frozen rabbits to England before the War was 21,000,000; that 10,000,000 rabbits are on the way and awaiting shipment in Australia; that the Ministry of Food have issued an Order controlling the price of rabbits to be sold by wholesaler to retailer, with the skin on, at large rabbits per crate 46s., young rabbits 38s., small rabbits per crate 28s.; that objection is taken to the method adopted, and that if the present Order is maintained the packers of rabbits in Australia will cease operations as far as treating the carcase for export is concerned; that the rabbit is an absolute necessity for the working classes in this country; that at the present time rabbits are not being packed in Australia on account of the control Order that the skin not being food should be excluded from the control and only a maximum price be fixed for the skinned carcase, and the wholesaler and retailer be allowed to fix their price in accordance with the fixed price of the selling of meat and the value of the skin; that the value of the skin cannot be fixed, as it fluctuates with the skin markets of the world; that the cessation of export of rabbits from Australia is preventing many thousands of returned soldiers from getting a living in that country; and, in 2015 consequence of the English rabbits being de-controlled, if the Australians cease to export rabbits the price of the British rabbits next autumn will be excessive, will he take action in the matter?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. The terms of the Imported Rabbits Order and the maximum prices named in the Schedule to the Order were drawn up in consultation with an advisory committee on which importers, wholesale merchants and retail traders were represented, and in agreement with the Agents-General for New South Wales and Queensland. A maximum selling price per crate was specially arranged in order to meet the wishes of the representatives of the importing merchants and the custom of the trade. Representations on the lines suggested in the remainder of the question have been made to the Ministry of Food by two firms of packers who, however, decline an invitation to submit their costs for investigation by the Costings Branch of the Ministry. Great difficulty is experienced in obtaining accurate information as to the conditions of the trade in imported Australian rabbits. The Food Controller will watch the effect of the Order very care-fully, and will be prepared to consider its revision if experience proves that it it is likely to be detrimental to the British consumer.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAre we to understand that the Imported Rabbits Order is part of the Defence of the Realm?
§ Mr. McCURDYFor the moment the powers under which the work of the Ministry of Food is carried on are conferred by the Defence of the Realm Act.