HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 cc1511-3
27. Mr. David Adams

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take with regard to the fact, reported by the joint committee of inquiry into the Anglo-Argentine meat trade, that the meat producers and packers of the Argentine are now developing a local market for the better qualities of beef which have hitherto been available for the people of Great Britain; and whether, in view of the fact that this local Argentine market is being supplied at a heavy loss which has to be made up by the prices charged to British consumers, he will take steps to produce some modification of import restrictions to assist the health and nutrition of the people of England by remedying these tendencies?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member will realise that His Majesty's Government cannot control the market for beef in Argentina. So far as the United Kingdom is concerned, the quantity of beef imported is regulated by the International Beef Conference having regard to the general supply situation.

Mr. Adams

Does the Minister not agree to the proposition in the question that the better qualities of Argentine beef are now being retained for Argentine consumption, and that some differentiation in the import regulations might remedy that state of affairs in our interests?

Mr. Stanley

If the hon. Gentleman is right about the better qualities of Argentine beef being retained for Argentine consumption, it would be an argument in favour of the people of this country eating British beef.

Mr. Adams

Do I understand that the Minister will use his influence with the Cabinet to have the standard of life generally in this country raised, so that the people will be able to purchase British beef?

Mr. Stanley

The Cabinet does not need my influence in that respect. It has raised the standard of life of the people very considerably.

28. Mr. David Adams

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take, in conjunction with the Government of the Argentine, to carry out the recommendations of the joint committee of inquiry into the Anglo-Argentine meat trade, and that standardised systems of accounting and similar devices should be adopted covering the whole of the operations from the purchase of live stock to the wholesale distribution of the product, with a view to ensuring that the companies engaged in this trade, enjoying as they do considerable security owing to Government regulations, shall render the service of supplying the public with an essential element in its food supply at no more than a reasonable charge?

Mr. Stanley

The committee's recommendations are primarily directed to ensuring that the Argentine cattle producer obtains a reasonable share of the proceeds of the sale of his product in this country. The recommendation to which the hon. Member particularly refers is one which will clearly require careful and lengthy consideration, and I should prefer to await the views of the Argentine Government.

Mr. Adams

Then I take it that steps will be taken under this new standardised system to have reasonable prices, and not excessive prices, charged to the people of this country?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir.