§ 16. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Food what conversations he has had with the French authorities, with a view to increasing the import of French meat.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNone recently. France is not a traditional supplier of meat to the United Kingdom. But I am always prepared to consider offers of meat from France if price and quality are right, and subject to public and animal health safeguards.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs it not the case that France, which is certainly not a traditional supplier of meat to this country, is prevented from selling the meat which she has had to spare because of special interests in this country who have been unwilling for her to become such a supplier? Is it not the case that France has a surplus of meat, and should we not now endeavour to obtain some of it?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe meat is available but the question of price must be considered. The last offer of meat from France was £342 a ton, which is considerably higher than we are paying elsewhere.
§ Mr. BaldwinWill my right hon. and gallant Friend take every precaution to see that if meat is imported from France, it is not imported from a foot-and-mouth disease area?
§ Mr. EdelmanAs the Minister has not recently had discussions with France on this subject, how does he know the price which the French are asking today; and as, in the past, cases of foot-and-mouth disease, lack of sterling and the question of price have all been put forward as objections to prevent the importation of French meat into this country, will he re-examine the whole question?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am always open to consider any offers. The hon. Gentleman asked, "When did I hear anything about it," and I said that I had not heard about it since 11 months ago, when the price was £342 a ton, which, I am sure, the hon. Gentleman will agree is far too high for us to pay.