HC Deb 07 November 1949 vol 469 cc877-8
32. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Food how much edible mutton tallow is at present stored in the United Kingdom; how much is going rancid; and what is the cause of this deterioration.

Mr. Strachey

We import tallow both for making dripping and for making soap. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that any tallow which does not prove fit to eat will be used for the latter purpose. Tests of our stocks are made as required and the final use of the tallow settled by their results. For the reasons which I have repeatedly given to the House, I am not prepared to give the level of stocks.

Major Legge-Bourke

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what has happened to the 400 tons or more of edible mutton far which went rancid in June or July or thereafter, and has that been sent to the soap manufacturers who have already indicated they cannot use it?

Mr. Strachey

I could not agree with the facts as stated by the hon. and gallant Member.

33. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Food why the price offered by his Department for tallow was reduced on 1st October, 1949; and what effect devaluation has had on supplies coming to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Strachey

As to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his Question on 31st October. As regards the second part, there has been no effect so far.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that his Parliamentary Secretary did not give me an answer to the first part of the Question? Further, why has the price been reduced, despite the fact that it has been running at £70 more per ton than the local price in Australia or the price in America?

Mr. Strachey

The price was reduced because we were able to sell it without loss at a lower price, so we passed on the advantage.