50 Mr. H. D. Hughesasked 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. StracheyYes, 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. StracheyI will consider that suggestion.
§ Mr. RoyleWould not an extension of this practice quite easily do something towards breaking up the present equitable distribution?
§ Mr. StracheyAn indefinite extension of it certainly would, but there is no possibility of such an extension at the present.