HC Deb 15 December 1952 vol 509 cc951-2
26. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Food whether he will make a further statement on the progress of the negotiations for the procurement of meat from the Argentine.

Major Lloyd George

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Secretary for Overseas Trade to the right hon. Member for Battersea, North (Mr. Jay) on 9th December.

Mr. Willey

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman confirm the statement he made a few days ago, that supplies of meat are increasing every week?

Major Lloyd George

I repeat that supplies have been increasing every week, compared with the year before.

Mr. Webb

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of his very great responsibility, he does not take at least a gloomy view about the delay in securing a settlement with the Argentine? Does he not recall statements made by his party when they were on this side of the House about the progress made when we were negotiating with the Argentine, and does he not think that this is a matter on which we are entitled to censure the Government for their failure to arrive at an agreement?

Major Lloyd George

I am fully aware of the difficulties, as the right hon. Gentleman knows. The only difference between us is that, while his party took a good deal longer to come to an agreement, we have handled our meat supplies with more prudence than they did.

Mr. Willey

Will the Minister explain why he cut the ration by 4d. if meat supplies are increasing?

Major Lloyd George

The hon. Gentleman always likes to take figures that suit himself. I was dealing with the year as a whole, and I said that supplies have improved, and they are going to be better. The Labour Government cut the ration down to 1s., and we are hoping to keep it at 1 s. 8d. till the end of March.

Mr. Bottomley

The Minister will be aware that, in previous negotiations, we invited the Argentine Government to send representatives here, or, alternatively, we sent Ministers out to that country. Will not the Government consider doing that, in order that the negotiations may be brought to an end?

Major Lloyd George

I am well aware of that, but I say that our negotiations are proceeding in a perfectly amicable manner, and I am very hopeful that we shall soon come to a conclusion.

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