HC Deb 03 November 1955 vol 545 cc1193-4
24. Mr. Lewis

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give an estimate of how much British imports from Argentina will be reduced in price, resultant upon the decision of that country to devalue their currency; and by how much our meat imports are liable to be reduced in price in the coming year.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The information available about the policies of the new Government of Argentina does not enable any estimates to be made. A change in the exchange system seems to be only part of what is proposed.

Mr. Lewis

The Board of Trade has stated that there will be a reduction in the price of our imports, particularly that of meat. If that does happen, can we be assured that the Government will not push up the price of meat by internal action?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think that all these questions are rather hypothetical until we get clearer information as to what is taking place.

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