§ 48. Colonel Stoddart-Scottasked the Minister of Food if, in view of the arrival of convoys of Argentine meat, he can now make a statement with regard to the promised increased ration; and when the present price of meat will be increased.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Frederick Willey)I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) on 25th June.
§ Colonel Stoddart-ScottWhy does the Minister of Food insist that all the meat that comes to this country now from South America should go into store and should not be used to increase the ration? Is he withholding the increase in price until the ration is also increased?
§ Mr. WilleyNo. As my right hon. Friend said, we have to rebuild stocks, but we shall increase the ration as soon as supplies allow.
§ Mr. TurtonIs the Minister bearing in mind the fact that in the autumn there will be a flush of home produced meat and, therefore, there is no reason why the Argentine meat should not now be distributed on the ration?
§ Mr. WilleyWe have that very much in mind.