HC Deb 18 December 1946 vol 431 cc1956-7
50 Mr. H. D. Hughes

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that Dublin butchers are issuing circulars to people in this country inviting them to break the food regulations by ordering individual supplies of meat at uncontrolled prices; and if he will take steps to put an end to this practice.

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. I know this is happening. We have no evidence of the size of the resulting traffic but the meat is expensive and we have heard of some cases where it has arrived in very bad condition. It seems probable that the purchase of these joints is a bad speculation. I am afraid that anything I could do to stop it would keep out legitimate gifts and I do not want to do that.

Mr. Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend consider taking this matter up with the Eire Government?

Mr. Strachey

I will consider that suggestion.

Mr. Royle

Would not an extension of this practice quite easily do something towards breaking up the present equitable distribution?

Mr. Strachey

An indefinite extension of it certainly would, but there is no possibility of such an extension at the present.