§ 16. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food, in view of the expiration of the meat agreement with the Argentine, what arrangements have been made for the usual supply to continue until the new agreement is negotiated; and under what conditions the meat will be received.
§ 48. Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Food whether he is now in a position to make a statement about the procurement of meat from the Argentine.
Dr. HillWe are discussing with the Argentine Government at the present moment whether shipments shall be resumed pending the negotiation of final arrangements for the current year of the Agreement. I can, obviously, say nothing at present about the terms.
§ Mr. DoddsIs not it a fact that the shipments are taking place and that they have been invoiced at a price to be established? In view of the fact that the Argentinians are asking for another £100 a ton is not it a matter of some seriousness?
Dr. HillWhat has just happened is the completion of the 200,000 tons which was agreed to arrive by April last. As I have said at the moment, we are discussing the question of provisional shipments, pending completion of the negotiations.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the Minister answer the question? Is not the meat now coming in at the old price and may we not eventually have to pay another £100 per ton?
Dr. HillThe meat which has been coming in until this moment is meat at the old price, under the agreement which obtained for the year ending April this year. I repeat that the question of provisional shipments is now being discussed.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the hon. Gentleman say when he anticipates making a statement on the main negotiations for procurement of meat this year?
§ Mr. G. JegerWhen the Minister says "we are discussing" is he speaking on behalf of the Government or the private traders?