§ 35. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Agriculture the price of fat cattle at the present time and at this time last year?
§ Major ELLIOTThe average price per live cwt. of first quality fat cattle for the week ended 17th May, at markets for which the Ministry obtains reports, was 40s. 10d., as compared with 49s. 10d. for the corresponding week in 1932.
§ Lieut-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEDo those figures not show that the restrictions on imports are not severe enough and will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take immediate steps to increase them?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSAre not these prices due to the poverty of the people rather than to a shortage in the supply?
§ Major ELLIOTObviously, more factors have to be taken into account than the factor of restrictions. There is the possibility of a change-over to other forms of meat.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs the Minister not aware that cattle now coming on the market are store-fed cattle, that they cost more to produce and that they give more employment than is given by grass-fed cattle, and will he take steps to make store feeding profitable?
§ Major ELLIOTWe can do nothing until the Bill is on the Statute Book and then with the co-operation of the hon. and gallant Member we shall be able to see that it is made effective.