44. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Food if the Meat (Wholesale Prices) Orders are still in force; if, as the result, the removal of the Retail Prices Orders has had no material effect on the prices paid by the public for imported mutton; if at the present time the imports of colonial mutton are largely in excess of the consumption; and whether it is proposed to retain the existing arrangements indefinitely?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the removal of the maximum retail prices for imported mutton, which was undertaken at the request of the Board of Trade, has only been operative since 26th April, and it would therefore appear to be too early to estimate the effect on the prices paid by the public for this meat. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative, but as the matter is one with which the Board of Trade are primarily concerned, the hon. and gallant Member should address any further question to that Department.
Sir F. HALLIf the Wholesale Prices Order is still in operation, how is it possible for consumers to obtain any reasonable reduction in the price of mutton?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe distribution of imported mutton is in the hands of the Board of Trade and not in my Department, and it would be more convenient if the hon. Member addressed question on the subject to that Department.
Sir F. HALLDoes the right hon. Gentleman not recognise the great difficulty that exists in having food control in two different Departments, and if the Board of Trade issue instructions to wholesalers that they must maintain a price of 9d. per lb. for mutton, how can consumers expect to obtain it at a reasonable price?