§ 25. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect he estimates the closing of the Suez Canal will have on the importation of meat into this country.
33. Mr. Irvingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the closing of the Suez Canal and the shortage of shipping, he will estimate what the effect will be on imports of meat into this country
§ Mr. H. NichollsMeat supplies in this country should be fully sufficient to make 1121 good any temporary short-fall arising from diversion of ships around the Cape. Such diversions will cause some delay in arrivals of Australian imports of meat, but Australian imports constitute a relatively small proportion of our total supplies.
§ Mr. DoddsIn view of the big stocks of meat held in this country, will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to keep an eye on meat prices and to give an assurance that this Middle East adventure will not be used as an excuse to push up meat prices in the country? Is it not inevitable that sooner or later prices will go up?
§ Mr. NichollsI know that the hon. Gentleman has always kept a very keen eye on prices, but the best watch-dog in this connection is the housewife herself; I think that we can rely on her to do it.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs the purpose of all these Questions to make clear that Her Majesty's Government will now have the full support of Her Majesty's Opposition in taking all possible measures to get the Suez Canal reopened?
§ Mr. SnowMay I ask, in so far as these meat imports come from Australia, that Australia, which is not awfully pleased with its balance of trade with this country, in spite of the recent agreement, will not be penalised as regards the increased shipping costs via the Cape?
§ Mr. NichollsThat, of course, will be taken care of by the Australians. As regards the general meat position, imports from New Zealand come via the Panama Canal, but routing round the Cape will only make a difference of five to six days' sailing time from Australia.