Argentine Meat

HC Deb 01 April 1953 vol 513 cc1203-4

34. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food the present position regarding the importation of meat from the Argentine.

41. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Food to make a statement about present meat supplies from the Argentine.

Major Lloyd George

I understand that there is a shortage in the number of cattle coming forward for slaughter at present in Argentina. This has led the Argentine authorities to limit the amount of meat allocated for export. I am making further inquiries, but I am glad to say that the loadings of meat for export to this country during March were not affected, and that the Argentine National Meat Institute have assured our representatives that the loadings for April will not be affected either.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that it was reported in the papers that there was a shortage of meat in the Argentine, is that not further evidence that controls are the cause of shortages and that restricting consumption restricts production, and will my right hon. and gallant Friend allow experienced traders to get on with the job, and stop all Government trading?

Mr. Willey

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not agree that his forecast a few months ago was very optimistic; and will he make it plain to the Argentine Government that we are not prepared to give an increase in price of £33 a ton unless we get the meat?

Major Lloyd George

The best thing I can say to the hon. Gentleman is that I see no reason whatever to modify the forecast I made recently.

Sir W. Smithers

Can I have an answer to my question?

Mr. Jay

As, according to all Press reports, shipments to this country are being entirely suspended, is the Minister quite sure that his sources of information are not too optimistic?

Major Lloyd George

I think I have some fairly good sources of information, and my information leads me to believe that the forward promises we have had have been fulfilled during March, and will be during April and, I think, May. I have no reason to believe that this situation will not improve as soon as the cattle come forward for slaughter.