HC Deb 04 May 1933 vol 277 cc995-6
33. Mr. HENDERSON STEWART

asked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the increase in the imports of beef, mutton, and lamb in the first quarter of 1933 over the similar period of 1932, he will state whether the quota agreements are in practice serving the purpose for which they were intended; and, if not, what further steps he proposes to take to secure to British farmers a fair price for their meat, mutton, and lamb products?

Major ELLIOT

As regards chilled and frozen beef, the total imports from all sources during the first quarter of this year were over 7,000 tons less than in the corresponding quarter of 1932. As regards mutton and lamb, I would remind my hon. Friend that the increase in imports during the first quarter of 1933 was largely attributable to supplies from Australia and New Zealand, the arrangements with which relate to the year 1933 as a whole, and not to quarterly periods. The increased supplies from these Dominions will, therefore, be offset by smaller shipments later in the year. I am satisfied that the arrangements are proving advantageous to the livestock industry of this country.

34. Mr. R. T. EVANS

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantities and values of mutton and lamb imported during the three months immediately prior to the operation of the voluntary quota; the quantities and values of imported mutton and lamb for the three months ended 30th April, 1933; and the average prices received by British farmers for sheep and lambs in these two periods?

Major ELLIOT

According to the Monthly Accounts of Trade and Navigation for the United Kingdom, the quantity of frozen mutton and lamb imported into the United Kingdom during the three months ended October, 1932, was 1,510,697 cwts., with an average declared value of 38s. 10d. per cwt. The Monthly Accounts for last month are not yet available, but during the three months ended March, 1933, imports amounted to 1,807,554 cwts., with an average declared value of 45s. 4d. per cwt. During the earlier period, the price of sheep and lambs was falling, the average price of first quality sheep at the principal markets in England and Wales being 7½d. per lb. dead weight, and for lambs 8¾d. per lb.; the corresponding figures for the second period were 10½d. per lb. for sheep and 1s. 1¾d. per lb. for lambs.

Miss HORSBRUGH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the meat was in wrappers made in the United Kingdom?

36. Mr. R. T. EVANS

asked the Minister of Agriculture the quantities and values of chilled and frozen beef imported during the three months immediately prior to the operation of the voluntary quota, and also the quantities and values of imported chilled and frozen beef for the three mouths ended 30th April, 1933; and the average prices received by British farmers for cattle in these two periods?

Major ELLIOT

According to the Monthly Accounts of Trade and Navigation of the United Kingdom, the quantity of chilled beef imported into the United Kingdom during the three months ended October, 1932, was 2,102,072 cwts., with an average declared value of 40s. 3d. per cwt. Imports of frozen beef amounted to 915,627 cwts., the average declared value being 31s. 7d. per cwt. Monthly accounts for last month are not yet available, but during the three months ended March, 1933, imports of chilled beef amounted to 2,049,297 cwts., with an average declared value of 42s. 4d. per cwt.; imports of frozen. beef amounted to 604,330 cwts., with an average declared value of 37s. 7d. per cwt. During the earlier period cattle prices in this country were falling rapidly, the average price of first quality fat cattle at the principal markets in England and Wales in October being 39s. 2d. per live cwt., as compared with 44s. 6d. per live cwt. in the previous August. In the second period prices were steady at an average of about 42s. per live cwt.