§ 36. Mr. Lipsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what was the total amount of beef, mutton, lamb, and pig meat provided last year for the Navy stationed in Home waters; and what proportion of each was imported?
§ Mr. ShakespeareApproximately 2,300 tons of beef, 600 tons of mutton and 45 2865 tons of pork were provided. Practically the whole of the beef and mutton was imported from the Dominions. The pork was all home-killed.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my hon. Friend able to state why so large a proportion is imported?
§ Mr. ShakespeareThere are administrative and financial reasons for it which my hon. Friend will appreciate.
§ Lieut.-Commander AgnewIs it not possible for shore establishments to be supplied with home-produced beef?
§ Mr. ShakespeareWe have considered this matter at frequent intervals. It is mainly a question of the extra cost, but in addition there are difficulties of administration.
§ Mr. LipsonDoes not my hon. Friend agree that, in view of the importance of agriculture in the national economy, the cost should not be the over-riding factor? What would be the position of the stock-raising industry if every consumer viewed the question from that angle?