§ 69. Mr. Kirbyasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has considered representations from the National Federation of Meat Traders to the effect that the Government's policy has forced up the price of meat, causing a fall in demand, which has led to the closing of some 150 retail shops in the Manchester and Salford area and about 40 shops in the city of Liverpool; and what steps are being taken by his Department to keep down the price of meat to a level at which it can be afforded by the poorest people upon whose custom the smaller retail traders depend?
§ Captain WallaceRepresentations have been received on more than one occasion from the National Federation of Meat Traders on the subject of the price of meat but the particular point to which the hon. Member refers in his question has not been represented to the Board of Trade. As regards the second part of the question, there appears to have been a temporary decline in home production of meat but imports both of beef and of mutton and lamb increased last year and in the first quarter of this year.
§ Mr. KirbyWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman make further inquiries into this very serious matter?
§ Captain Wallaceif the hon. Gentleman requires information on any particular point and will put down a question, I shall be very glad to do so.
§ Captain Harold BalfourIs it not the extension of co-operative societies which really kills the small retailer?
§ Mr. KirbyIs it not the fact that, if there were no co-operative societies, the position would be a jolly sight worse than it is?