HC Deb 24 November 1952 vol 508 cc31-3
56. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the residents served by the Brandon and Byshottles Wholesale Meat Supply Association are expressing dissatisfaction at the amount of mutton and lamb they are receiving each week: that the weekly ration has been up to 66 per cent. of mutton and lamb for many weeks, and the rest beef and pork; how far this percentage is applicable over the United Kingdom; and what prospect there is of a better supply of beef.

The Minister of Food (Major Lloyd George)

I know that some people would prefer to have more beef in the ration, but, with the seasonal decline in home supplies, there is bound to be a good deal of mutton and lamb at this season. The proportion varies from week to week.

During the past six weeks this area has received 46 per cent. of its meat in mutton and lamb, which is about the average for the rest of the country. Future issues must depend on home marketings and the types of meat arriving from abroad.

Mr. Murray

Can the Minister explain to me and to my constituents where the red meat has gone, because they had an idea at the last Election that if only we had a return to private buying we would get all the meat we required? What about bulk buying now; will he tell us that?

Major Lloyd George

The Question the hon. Gentleman asked is the one which I have answered. In reply to his supplementary question, the supply of meat is slightly better than last year.

57. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food, now that he has fixed the ration scale for the rest of the year, how the total tonnage of beef, mutton, lamb and pork, being distributed as rationed meat in 1952 compares with the 1951 tonnage: and, particularly, whether the amount of red meat has increased.

Major Lloyd George

During the current year we expect to distribute 1,172,700 tons of ration quality beef, veal, mutton, lamb and pork. This compares with 1,023,800 tons in 1951.

Mr. Hurd

In view of this very satisfactory outcome—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]—I am sure it is noted by the Leader of the Opposition—will the Minister invite hon. Members on both sides of the House to send a greetings telegram to the Lord President of the Council, wishing him well?

Mr. G. Brown

In view of the last supplementary question and of the Minister's statement, do I take it that the Minister is now claiming credit for reducing the animal gestation period?

Mr. Willey

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman forgotten that he told the House only a week ago that the consumption of meat for the last four-weekly period has been less than for the corresponding period of last year?

Major Lloyd George

I was dealing with the year as a whole, and the figures are as I have stated—an increase of about 15 per cent.