HC Deb 24 February 1930 vol 235 cc1868-9
71. Mr. W. HENDERSON

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of the Co-operative Societies butchers' shops in London stock British beef?

Mr. N. BUXTON

I am advised that the Co-operative Societies in London owning retail meat shops, namely, the London, Royal Arsenal, South Suburban and Enfield Highway Societies, supply British beef in all their shops. All these co-operative shops, numbering some 200, supply National Mark beef.

Mr. HENDERSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that private traders are doing all that they should do in this direction?

Mr. BUXTON

Not hitherto, but they are improving.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Secretary of State for War?

Mr. ROTHSCHILD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these co-operative butchers are selling other than English meat?

Mr. BUXTON

I should like a question put upon the Order Paper on that matter.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many cooperative societies are not selling this beef? He has only mentioned a few names.

Mr. BUXTON

I understand that there were none of them in the London area.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is there anything to prevent them from selling this meat.?