§ 33. Mr. Keenanasked the Minister of Food if, because of the continued small-ness of the meat ration, he will consider taking steps to stop the exports of canned meats.
§ Mr. F. WilleyI would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 8th May.
§ Mr. KeenanMay I inform my hon. Friend that I have read what has been said on previous occasions, and ask him whether he is aware that a firm in Manchester are exporting tins of braised beef, one of which I hold in my hand, for sale in Canada for 29 cents, which is the equivalent of 2s. 7½d.? Will he see that we get a supply of this commodity on the home market, because housewives would welcome it?
§ Mr. WilleyAs my right hon. Friend and I have explained repeatedly, these exports represent a negligible quantity compared with the meat on the ration. I am not sure that I followed my hon. Friend's argument, but I hope that I am right in assuming that he is not advocating the removal of price control on the sale of manufactured meat products in this country.
§ Captain CrookshankIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, even if we accept his statement that the quantities are negligible, the impression caused in the places where this meat is sold is deplorable? People find it hard to believe the truth of the situation, which is that we are short of meat in this country.
§ Mr. WilleyI am not responsible for that impression, if that impression be there.
§ Mr. PatonCan my hon. Friend say whether any counter-balancing advantages are obtained from this export—even if it is of an insignificant quantity?
§ Mr. WilleyYes. There are considerable counter-balancing advantages. The exports which have been referred to are exports to Canada.