§ 25. Mr. A. J. Irvineasked the Minister of Food whether the figures of meat consumption provided by his Department take into account meat collected weekly from shops by commercial undertakings which place in cold storage meat that has not been purchased by customers.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir.
§ Mr. IrvineCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what check it is possible to make upon meat purchased in this way and put into store? If it is not practicable, or is very difficult, to check the meat treated in this way, will not considerable doubts be cast on the value of the figures given purporting to demonstrate the amount of meat purchased week by week for current consumption?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeOver a considerable period the amount of meat which 1606 goes into the butcher's shop is equal to the amount consumed. I think that the point which the hon. Gentleman has in mind is a relatively small one.
§ Mr. WilleyHas the right hon. and gallant Gentleman any information about the amount so collected, whether it has increased or decreased?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMy information is that it is relatively small.