HC Deb 13 June 1921 vol 143 c4
10. Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any stocks of imported meat are still held by the Government for disposal in this country; if so, can he state approximately what the quantities are; if any of it is earmarked for Army and Navy use; and can he state what decision has been taken as to the disposal of any stocks held here?

Mr. BALDWIN

The answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. The stocks of imported meat held by the Government had been reduced to approximately 20,000 tons on the 3rd June, and are being disposed of as rapidly as the market conditions permit.

Mr. GILBERT

Does the Department propose to reduce the price of meat in order to get rid of these stocks?

Mr. BALDWIN

I shall require notice of that question.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

How long have these stocks been held by the Government?

Mr. BALDWIN

We are getting rid of them as fast as we can, and I hope very soon they will be entirely exhausted.

Sir F. HALL

Is this the same stock that was put into cold store by order of the Government 12 months ago?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice of that question.

Mr. BALDWIN

I will have that looked up.