HC Deb 07 November 1949 vol 469 c872
19. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Food whether he has any statement to make as to the future price of meat.

Mr. Strachey

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Eastern Norfolk (Brigadier Medlicott) on 31st October.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As that reply conveyed the minimum of information, can the right hon. Gentleman now give even a limited assurance that there will be no increase even over quite a limited period?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. I never speculate on the future of food prices or the level of rations.

Mr. Royle

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that before there is any rise in the price of meat, he will examine the costs of distribution, which are very extravagant?

Mr. Strachey

They may well be extravagant, but they are much lower than they were before the war.