HC Deb 02 May 1951 vol 487 cc1186-7
60. Mr. Odey

asked the Minister of Food what evidence there was of a buyers' ring at the Manchester, Birmingham and London Hide Auctions on 17th April, 24th April and 25th April, respectively, which caused his Department to withdraw a considerable number of hides at these auctions.

Mr. F. Willey

At these auctions the prices bid were substantially below current price levels, and there was clearly no genuine competition among buyers.

Mr. Odey

Does the Parliamentary Secretary understand how important it is for the export trade of this country, and for our cost of living, that the cost of our domestic hides should be brought down to the level of the United States ceiling prices? Will he stop meddling with a market which he quite obviously does not understand?

Mr. Willey

The hon. Gentleman must take it from me that we are anxious to bring down prices in this country, but we are not anxious to add gratuitously to tanners' profits.