§ 54. Mr. Oakshottasked the Minister of Food if he has considered the particulars given by the President of the National Federation of Meat Traders Association on 17th April, 1950, of which details have been sent to him, regarding the large stocks of meat in the country; and whether he will make a statement on the future position of meat rationing.
§ Mr. WebbOur stocks of meat are by no means excessive in the light of the important negotiations for future supplies now going on. For the same reason, I cannot at present make any statement about the future of the meat ration.
§ Mr. OakshottIs it not a fact that the poor quality of much of the meat in cold storage is causing a drop in consumer demand? What steps is the right hon. Gentleman taking to avoid a loss to the taxpayer through deterioration in accumulated stocks of meat?
§ Mr. WebbI would not say that there is widespread complaint about quality. There are some complaints, all of which we investigate, but, broadly, we feel "bullish" about meat.