HC Deb 19 December 1932 vol 273 cc722-4
20. Major McLEAN

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any statistics showing whether, since the scheme for the regulation of meat imports came into force, the fall in the prices of fat cattle, sheep and lambs, and pigs has been checked?

Major ELLIOT

I am very glad to be able to say that the available price data show that, taken generally, there has been a marked rise in the price of every class of fat stock since arrangements were made for regulating imports of meat.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give any idea of the actual increase in cost per lb. of all kinds of meat?

Major ELLIOT

I am afraid that it would be very difficult. I have sheets of figures here, almost every one of which it would be necessary to take into consideration in giving such an answer.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us whether the increase in wholesale prices has reflected itself in retail prices?

Major ELLIOT

I think that on the whole it is difficult to say that there has been any corresponding rise in retail prices.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is it possible to have a copy of the figures?

Mr. THORNE

Does the Minister's wife buy meat? If, so, she will soon tell him.

12. Mr. HALL-CAINE

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he proposes to take at the end of the present month when the voluntary meat import restriction scheme is due to come to an end?

Major ELLIOT

The position that will arise on the termination of the present voluntary arrangements for the regulation of meat imports is engaging the close attention of the Government, and I am in consultation with the interests concerned. As soon as I am in a position to do so, I will make a statement on the subject. So far as concerns bacon imports, the present voluntary scheme continues until 22nd January.

Mr. HALL-CAINE

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think he will be able to make a statement on this important subject before the House rises on Thursday?

Major ELLIOT

No, I doubt if I shall be able to make a statement before Thursday.