HC Deb 25 February 1952 vol 496 cc697-8
38. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of Food which items of food have suffered a decrease in rationed amounts since October, 1951.

Major Lloyd George

Meat only.

Mr. Hynd

Although the reply is "meat only," are these decreases in accordance with the promises made to the electors at the General Election?

Sir W. Smithers

Is it not a fact that the meat shortage is due entirely to the Socialist policy of bulk buying and of not allowing competent merchants to work under free and healthy competition?

Mr. Donnelly

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say, speaking on behalf of his hon. Friends on the back benches, whether those on the back bench are now totally opposed to all kinds of red meat?

Miss Burton

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) the names of the meat buyers who have been negotiating meat agreements on behalf of the past Government, so that he might know that they are men skilled in private enterprise buying?

Sir. W. Smithers

Did they go out on their own account or on the Government's account?