§ 36. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that for the years 1946–50 the approximate average consumption of ration quality carcase meat was 1,059,000 tons per year whereas for the years 1951–52 the average consumption had fallen to 882,000 tons per year; what was the reason for this short fall in consumption of 177,000 tons per year during 1951 and 1952; and what steps he is taking to enable domestic consumers to take up their full ration of carcase meat.
Dr. HillYes, Sir. The average for 1951–52 was low mainly because 1951 consumption was abnormally low. This was due in part to reduced imports and partly to a running down of stocks in 1950. These figures have no connection with the take-up of the carcase meat ration.
§ Mr. LewisSurely, the Minister has left out the most important cause, which is this question of increased price? Is it not the fact that, due to the rapid rise in the cost of foodstuffs, people cannot afford to take up their meat ration? Is it not a fact that the Minister has dodged it, as he dodged it all the way through?