HC Deb 04 July 1955 vol 543 c767
47. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of the subsidy on imported meat for the year 1954–55.

Mr. H. Nicholls

The estimated trading deficit in 1954–55 on imported meat was £5.8 million.

Mr. Willey

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why a few months ago his right hon. Friend said the losses would be not nearly £6 million but nearly £100,000? What has happened to create this loss of well over £5 million in the last few months?

Mr. Nicholls

The hon. Member is aware that because of the great supplies we have had from our home producers we have had to sell off imported meat at a lower price than otherwise would be the case.

Mr. Burden

Is it not obvious that when my right hon. Friend made the remark referred to he was thinking of the amount of subsidy which would have to have been given under the Government of the party opposite?