§ 58. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food if, in view of the fact that £558,362 is being paid to the Uruguayan 391 Government under the new meat agreement, in order to bring prices into line with those paid to the Argentine, he will cease bulk purchases and allow meat for Britain to be bought through recognised trade channels under competition.
§ Mr. StracheyI am satisfied that in present circumstances it is not advisable to do as the hon. Member suggests. It would, of course, cost far more to bring our meat prices into line with meat prices in those markets where private trade in meat now exists. For example, the retail price of meat in the U.S.A. is some 4s. per lb.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes the Minister of Food have to obtain Treasury permission before entering into these food contracts; is there any control at all over his antics; and how much longer is he to be allowed to squander the taxpayers' money?
§ Mr. StracheyIf the hon. Member were as familiar with Treasury control as I am, he would have no doubt that Treasury control is exercised in these circumstances.