§ 64. Mr. HURDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what will be the additional cost to the Treasury if the Government policy of preference for British, Home, and Empire over foreign goods were applied to the meat contracts of the Army, Navy and Air Forces?
§ Mr. McNEILLMy hon. Friend's question is based on a misapprehension. The general contract policy of His Majesty's Government to give substantial preference to British (Home and Empire) over foreign goods is applied to the meat contracts of the fighting forces.
§ Mr. HURDDid I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that there is a policy of preference in operation? Can he tell us the amount of the preference?
§ Mr. McNEILLYes, the general policy of giving preference to British goods applies.
§ Mr. McNEILLOh, there is no definite percentage. The policy is to give a preference where the difference in price is not too great.
§ Mr. J. H. THOMASCan the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of foreign contracts for meat is accepted, in spite of this preference?
§ Mr. McNEILLI could not say that without notice.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the practice, notwithstanding the policy?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe practice varies. A very large quantity of meat bought by contract is British production, but there are cases where the difference in price is so great, in some cases over 100 per. cent.,, that the policy cannot apply.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs not the better quality of the meat likely to be reflected in the increased price?