HC Deb 25 July 1949 vol 467 cc1791-2
16 and 17. Mr. Goronwy Roberts

asked the Minister of Food (1) what proportion of home-killed meat was allocated to the Lleyn area of Caernarvonshire during the week commencing 10th July; and if he will give comparable figures for Liverpool;

(2) on what basis home-killed meat is allocated to producing areas; and how the percentage so allocated compares with that for non-producing areas.

Mr. Strachey

Livestock is allocated so as to give, as nearly as possible, an equal distribution of home-killed meat throughout the country, with due regard to the distances over which Livestock can be humanely transported, and to economy in transport. Comparisons between producing and non-producing areas vary in different parts of the country, at different times of the year, and to some extent from week to week. The proportions respectively to the Lleyn area and Liverpool in the week commencing 10th July were approximately 59 per cent. and 69 per cent. In the four weeks of June they were 31 per cent. and 30 per cent. respectively.

Mr. Roberts

Could my right hon. Friend say whether due regard is paid to the fact that there is a lack of refrigerators in rural producing areas, and whether this is borne in mind when allocations of home-produced and foreign imported meat are made?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir, but refrigerating plant may be necessary in butchers' shops for the retention of either kind of meat.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that prime Scottish beef is sent to England and Wales, while Scottish people have to make do with poor quality imported beef? Cannot we get better quality beef in Scotland? I would not know a steak if I saw one.