Mrs. HillI beg leave to present a Petition from housewives represented by the National Federation of Housewives' Associations signed by 166,600 housewives and other persons living in all parts of the United Kingdom. May I say that this may be just a forerunner of other Petitions.
The Petitioners complain of the shortage of meat which, they say, is causing great hardship throughout the land. They say that they are receiving barely enough meat to maintain strength to work and enjoy their leisure. The Petition concludes with the following Prayer:
Wherefore your petitioners pray that the present system whereby meat is purchased in bulk by the Government may be abolished, and that the meat trade may be allowed to undertake the purchase of supplies of meat for distribution to the public as in former days.
§ Mr. George WiggOn a point of order, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, the hon. Lady did not point out to the House that she is, or was, a director of United Cattle Products, Ltd., the biggest tripe firm in the country, and that she has therefore, a financial interest.