FAT CATTLE (PRICES). (Hansard, 19 April 1937)

HC Deb 19 April 1937 vol 322 cc1418-9 1418

§ 28. Mr. T. Williams
asked the Minister of Agriculture the price per live hundredweight of fat cattle first quality at Salisbury, Alnwick and Llandilo on the latest date for which figures are available?

§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)
The average prices per live hundredweight of fat cattle of first quality, as returned by the market reporters of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries last week, were as follows: Salisbury 47s. 6d., Alnwick 41s., Llandilo 40S.

§ Mr. T. Williams
As Salisbury receives more for her live stock without a subsidy than the other two districts with a subsidy, is there any further reason why the subsidy should be paid to Salisbury?

§ Mr. Morrison
It would not be safe to answer a question like that on the prices for an isolated week or an isolated market. Different breeds predominate at these three markets; at Salisbury they are North Devons, at Alnwick Polled Scots and at Llandilo Shorthorns.

§ Mr. T. Williams
Does the right hon. Gentleman regard this method of granting a uniform subsidy as the most effective system that can be produced?

§ Mr. Morrison
On the whole, yes.

§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte
Is it not a fact that red Devons produce the best beef and should not they get the best price?

§ 29. Mr. T. Williams
asked the Minister of Agriculture the average price per live hundredweight for fat cattle for the latest date for which figures are available, taking first and second quality separately, and similar prices for the years 1934, 1935, and 1936, respectively?

§ Mr. Morrison
As the answer consists of a table of figures, I propose, with the hon. Member's permission, to have it circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

1419

§ Following is the answer:

§ Statement showing Average Prices per live cwt. of Fat Cattle (all breeds) at representative markets in England and Wales.

Week ended.		1st Quality.	2nd Quality.
		s.	d.	s.	d.
14th April, 1937	…	42	4	38	3
15th April, 1936	…	38	9	34	6
17th April, 1935	…	36	6	32	1
11th April, 1934	…	39	7	34	8