§ 61. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of meat in Tibshelf, Derbyshire; and what steps he is taking to improve the situation?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware that some shortage of home-killed meat occurred in Tibshelf last week owing to the small offerings of livestock for slaughter largely as a result of the in- 216 clement weather. Ample supplies of imported meat were made available to fill the gap in home-killed supplies. No complaints from the district have been received in the last few days.
§ Mr. RidleyIs the Minister aware that the statements contained in his answer are not in accordance with information which has been supplied to me? Is he further aware of the grave local dissatisfaction because the population is engaged in work which involves a very heavy expenditure of physical energy, and in those circumstances will he give the matter his further attention?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not aware of the information which the hon. Members has, but I have the information which has been given to me, and perhaps afterwards we can compare notes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Acland-TroyteWas not there a great shortage of meat, both home-produced and imported, in most places last week; and will my right hon. Friend take immediate steps to remedy this, and to amend this scheme?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat was due to the weather.