Canned Meat Prices

HC Deb 09 April 1951 vol 486 c644

30. Mr. Molson

asked the Minister of Food why, in view of the shortage of carcase meat in this country, he has refused to increase, since the issue in April, 1949, of the Meat Products Order, No. 782, the maximum prices for imported canned meats; and whether he realises that this policy is unnecessarily restricting the importation and consumption of meat.

Mr. F. Willey

As my right hon. Friend informed my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall (Mr. W. Wells) on 14th March, he is already considering the whole question of canned meat prices.

Mr. Molson

Is that the best we can expect to hear? Is there no intention of increasing the price, to enable tinned meat to be imported at a time when there is such a shortage of carcase meat?

Mr. Willey

It is the best that the hon. Gentleman can expect to hear at the moment.

Mr. Poole

Can we be assured that if the Minister does lay such an order, the Opposition will not pray against it?