HC Deb 21 March 1933 vol 276 cc175-7
16. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade the price of chilling steers at Buenos Aires per kilo

The wholesale prices of various classes of imported chilled and frozen meat at the London Central Markets, Smithfield, on the 1st November, 1932, and on the 20th March, 1933, are shown in the following table:
— 1st November, 1932. 20th March, 1933.
Per 8 lbs. Per 8 lbs.
Chilled Beef— s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d.
Argentine Hinds … … … 3 2 to 4 0 3 4 to 4 0
Argentine Fores … … … 2 0 to 2 3 2 8 to 2 10
Frozen Beef—
Australian Hinds … … … 2 0 to 2 2* 2 2 to 2 3
Australian Crops … … … 1 5 to 1 6* 2 0 to 2 1
New Zealand Hinds … … … 2 0 to 2 2 2s. 2d.
New Zealand Fores … … … 1 4 to 1 5 1 10 to 1 11
Frozen Mutton—
New Zealand Wethers … … … 2 2 to 2 8 2 10 to 3 4
New Zealand Ewes … … … 1 4 to 1 8 2 0 to 2 6
Australian Frozen Wethers … … … 1 8 to 2 0 2 0 to 2 6
Argentine Wethers … … … 1 6 to 2 2 2 2 to 2 8
Frozen Lamb—
New Zealand … … … 2 10 to 3 10 3 4 to 4 0
Australian … … … 2 6 to 3 6 2 10 to 3 6
Argentine … … … 2 0 to 3 6 2 10 to 3 8
* Not quoted on 1st November. Prices given are for 2nd November.
18. Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade the total increase in price of one year's imports of beef, mutton and lamb at the rate of 2d. per pound increase on the basis of imports agreed to by the Ottawa Agreements?

on 1st November, 1932, and the price at the latest convenient date?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

According to reports from Buenos Aires published in the Anglo-South American Bank Circular the price of chilling steers was 24 cents per live kilo on the 2nd November, 1932, and 25 cents on the 8th March. I have no quotation for the Liniers Market more recent than for the week ended 18th February when the price of special frigorifico steers was 15 to 17 cents per live kilo as compared with 15 to 16.8 cents for the week ended 4th November, 1932.

17. Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the President of the Board of Trade the wholesale prices of chilled and frozen meat at Smithfield Market on 1st November, 1932, and at the present time?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

As the answer involves a table of figures I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

Mr. RUNCIMAN

If it be assumed that, on the basis of the Ottawa Agreements, our total imports of chilled or frozen beef, mutton and lamb, including imports from the Dominions, amount in 1933 to 17,750,000 cwts., an increase of 2d. per lb. on the value of these imports would represent about £16,500,000.

Mr. WILLIAMS

May I ask what the total cost would be if the right hon. Gentleman included the 2d. per lb. increase on home produce as well as imported?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir, I have not worked out that sum, but, if my hon. Friend would like me to do so, I will do my best.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Is it not the intention of the Government to increase the price of home produce as well as imported?

Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMS

Will not this increase in price help our export markets?

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