§ 56. Mr. Sorensenasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that when the beef quota was reduced the price of Argentine beef increased by 1d. per lb., whilst home-produced beef declined by only ¼d. per 1b., and whether, in view of this increase, he proposes to take any action to secure that British consumers are safeguarded against such increases?
§ Mr. CrossI gather that the hon. Member is referring to the changes of wholesale prices since March, 1937. There have been considerable fluctuations in wholesale prices during the intervening period, and I do not think that any reliable inference can be drawn from the comparison he makes. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure the hon. Member that the interests of British consumers are fully taken into consideration by the International Beef Conference whose meetings are attended by an officer of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not correct that the price of beef has, on the whole, risen in recent months, and, if that is so, how does his last statement relate itself to the facts to which I have drawn his attention?
§ Mr. CrossI do not think we can possibly closely relate the quantities of beef which are imported with the price in the way the hon. Member does.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not a fact that the price has gone up?