HC Deb 05 December 1949 vol 470 cc1520-1
32. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Food if he will give the names of the importing meat firms who are in the wholesale meat supply associations; what were the amounts of commission paid to them from the total commission of £3,708,711 in 1948–49; and what service was given by them.

Dr. Summerskill

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of 22 members of wholesale meat supply associations. The share of these firms in the amount available for distribution was £844,460. These firms have made available managerial, technical and clerical staff, and premises and equipment for the wholesale distribution of meat.

Mr. Keenan

Will the list contain the names of all the former importing firms, and are any of the names missing from the list of the associations; and are any of the firms now receiving compensation because they are not in business as they were pre-war?

Dr. Summerskill

This list will contain all the importers who were wholesalers. I agree with my hon. Friend that there are men who are not working now as they were working pre-war, but we have agreed to this scheme with the importers who are serving us as our agents. I am afraid we shall have to let this scheme operate pending a decision as to the distribution of meat.

Mr. Paget

Will my right hon. Friend consider putting a star against the names of the firms who are doing absolutely nothing for their money and have not been for years?

Mr. Baldwin

In view of the questions repeatedly asked with regard to this matter, does not the right hon. Lady think that the time is now ripe to hand over the business of the distribution of meat to these firms, who do not want something for nothing? If the Ministry would do that, is it not the case that they would not want to occupy eight refrigerating ships for storage?

Mr. Mitchison

Is it not true that the wholesale distribution of meat by these arrangements is considerably cheaper than it ever was under private enterprise?

Dr. Summerskill

Yes, Sir.

Following is the list:

Member's of Wholesale Meat Supply Associations who imported meat before the war.