HC Deb 07 December 1931 vol 260 cc1499-500
60. Captain SHAW

asked the President of the Board of Trade the latest figures available showing the weights of beef and mutton imported into this country from foreign countries during this year, and the amounts imported from the British Dominions during the same period?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

My hon. and gallant Friend will find, in the "Accounts relating to Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom" for October last, particulars of the imports of beef and of mutton and lamb during the first 10 months of 1931, distinguishing the principal countries whence these imports were consigned. In the case of beef, the countries enumerated cover 96 per cent. of the weight imported from all sources, while in the case of mutton and lamb, the proportion is 93 per cent.

Captain SHAW

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are relatively few shops engaged exclusively in the sale of foreign meat; and will he consider the necessity of tightening up the regulations so as to prevent foreign meat being sold as British home-fed beef and mutton?