§ 80. Mr. BARNESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will verify the quantity and value of frozen beef re-exported during February, as given in the monthly statement of trade, which shows the price of frozen beef for export to be less than 30s. per cwt., whereas the current quotations on the home market range from 43s. 2d. to 67s. 8d. per cwt.?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Department of Overseas Trade)I am informed that the value of the re-exports of frozen beef during February, published in the Accounts of Trade and Navigation for that month, corresponds with the declarations made to the Customs by exporters. It is stated that the frozen beef exported during the month included consignments of inferior quality at less than current home prices for average qualities.
§ Mr. BARNESArising out of the reply, may I ask the Minister if he can vouch for, and what steps have been taken to verify, the accuracy of the statements of the exporters?
§ Mr. SAMUELI have looked up the Customs Laws Act. Section 67 puts u penalty upon persons who make a false declaration or return, and we can deal with it. If the Board of Trade suspected anything unworthy being done, the persons suspected could be proceeded against, and punished if an offence were proved against them.
§ Mr. BARNESMay I suggest that further inquiries be made into these figures?