HC Deb 19 June 1933 vol 279 cc464-5
11. Mr. PERKINS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the average price of fat lambs at the present time and at this time last year?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)

The average price of fat lambs at markets where prices are collected by the Ministry was 10½d. per lb.—estimated dressed carcase weight—during the week ended 14th June last. During the corresponding week of 1932 the price was 10⅞d. per lb.

Mr. PERKINS

In view of the fact that there has been this reduction in price, cannot the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take more drastic steps to safeguard British agriculture?

Major ELLIOT

Surely a reduction in the average price from 10⅞d. to 10½d. is not a very vigorous reduction.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it not the case that during the last few months there has been a 50 per cent. increase in the price of mutton and Iamb?