§ 53. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food if he will make a further statement on the progress of the negotiations for the procurement of meat from the Argentine.
Dr. HillI cannot yet add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) and the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on 15th October.
§ Mr. WilleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there seem to be encouraging signs of reaching a settlement with the Argentine? Will he do his best to expedite the matter, otherwise he will have no alternative but to cut the meat ration?
Dr. HillI ask the hon. Member to wait a little. Every effort is being made to expedite a conclusion.
§ Mr. ShinwellWould the hon. Gentleman say whether the signs of a settlement of this problem are encouraging? Is he aware that the general public are getting meat of very poor quality? He may not be able to give a reply straight away, but could he find out where the good meat is going?
Dr. HillMy right hon. and gallant Friend said that the negotiations were proceeding in a friendly atmosphere and, at the same time, drew attention to the fact that they cover a wide range of financial and trading matters, in addition to meat.
§ Mr. LewisNotwithstanding the ultimate agreement and whatever price is arrived at, can the hon. Gentleman maintain his declared statement that there would be no increase in the price of meat in the current financial year?