§ 49. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that under the existing grading and scale of payment there is a difference often of from 12s. to 15s. a cwt. between cow heifers and heifers which have got eight incisor teeth; and whether, in view of the fact that the latter are often as good as prime beef, he will consider a revision of the scale?
§ 52. Mr. John Morganasked the Minister of Food, in view of the Government's undertaking to home agriculture that a guaranteed market at remunerative prices will be provided for all fat stock offered by farmers, how the present prices offered for high-grade fat cows are arrived at; and whether first-grade cow beef is sold in the butchers' shops at similar prices to the corresponding cuts of steer and heifer beef?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)After discussion with the National Farmers' Unions of England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland a special grade for young cows likely to yield carcases of first quality beef was introduced this week. The price which is now being paid for this grade of cow has been increased by 8s. 6d. per cwt. Beef from the special grade of young cows will be sold in butchers' shops at the same prices as that from steers and heifers.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydPerhaps the hon. Member will put that Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWhat is the new percentage increase for this kind of animal over pre-war prices?
§ Mr. J. MorganAre second-rate cows also put into the butchers' shops at the same prices on the cut basis, or is there an intermediate price available in the shops?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe regulations apply to special-grade young cows likely to yield carcases of first-quality beef.
§ Mr. MorganWhat retail prices do the old cows make in the shops?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThat does not strictly arise from the Question. If the hon. Member will examine the schedule, which is very voluminous—I will show it to him afterwards—he will find answers to his questions.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertainly, Sir.