§ 12. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can state the average wholesale price of British and Scotch beef, separately, during the months of May, 1934, and May, 1935, taking the same quality in each case'?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe average wholesale prices of English and Scotch beef during May, 1935, in London were about id. per lb. less than in the corresponding month of last year. I am circulating details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the price to the consumer has decreased similarly during the scheduled period?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere has certainly been a decrease, but, if the hon. Member desires any further information he should put a question on the Paper, and I will do my best to answer it.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there.is general feeling throughout the country that the retail price has not decreased, and that the subsidy provided by the Government is finding its way into 1526 pockets other than those for which it was intended?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNone of this arises out of the question, but, if my hon. Friend desires a debate with me upon the subsidy, no doubt there will be other opportunities.
§ Following are the details:
§ Average Monthly * Prices (per lb.) of English and Scotch Longsides of Beef at London (Smithfield) in the Months of May, 1935,
| Description. | Quality or Grade. | May, 1934. | May, 1935. | ||
| National Mark: | d. | d. | |||
| English | … | Select | … | 7 | 6¾ |
| English | … | Prime | … | 6⅝ | 6⅜ |
| Scotch | … | Select | … | 7¾ | 7½ |
| Scotch | … | Prime | … | 7⅜ | 7⅛ |
§ *The prices represent transactions between wholesalers and retailers.