§ 20. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Minister of Food if he will inform the House of the arrangements made by his Department for the import of pressed beef from Ireland; what quantity has already been placed upon the market in Great Britain; and at what price.
§ Mr. StracheyPressed beef is imported from the Republic of Ireland by private traders under individual import licence. Licences are not required for imports from Northern Ireland. Licences have been issued for 60 tons, but I understand that only a small quantity has arrived. The present maximum permitted retail price is 3s. a pound.
§ Sir P. HannonIs it the policy of the Ministry to encourage this export of pressed beef from Ireland?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, Sir. It is undertaken by private traders, but we have never discouraged it.