HC Deb 16 March 1953 vol 512 cc1807-8
12. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the curtailment by Argentina of meat shipments to this country under the recent agreement; what representations he has made to the Argentine Government; and what further action he intends to take.

20. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Food to what extent deliveries of meat promised under the recent Anglo-Argentine Agreement are to be slowed down by the Argentine Government.

Major Lloyd George

I hope that any delay in shipments, due I understand to local marketing difficulties, would be quite temporary. No representation seems to be called for at present.

Mr. Jay

Does this mean the Minister expects that the supply of meat from Argentina this year will still be up to the figure which the Government gave the House in a recent debate?

Major Lloyd George

I have no reason to doubt that this is merely a temporary delay due to a local shortage at Buenos Aires. As soon as that is cleared up, I do not think there should be any difficulty.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether Lord Woolton, now happily recovered,

Major Lloyd George

As the Answer involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

has been told about this latest "red meat" fiasco?

Major Lloyd George

Not only has he been told, but he has also been told that we are importing considerably more and better meat than in the time of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Government.

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