HC Deb 10 November 1958 vol 595 cc2-3
3. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent the higher prices ruling for beef recently are due to a drop in imported supplies; to what extent home production has increased; and if he will continue to impress on home producers the scope for expanding home beef production still further.

Mr. John Hare

In the three months ending 30th September, total beef supplies were about 25,000 tons (7½ per cent.) less than during the same period last year. Lower imports account for about one-third of this short fall; the balance is due to a reduction in home-killed supplies caused by temporary factors.

I am glad to say that beef breeding at home is, however, expanding, and during the past year there has been a record increase in the number of calves retained for beef. As regards the last part of this Question, I am grateful to my hon. Friend for this opportunity of reaffirming the Government's view that we need more home produced beef of the quality required by the market.

Mr. Hurd

Can my right hon. Friend give the House any forecast about future supplies, particularly with a view to informing housewives whether they must expect beef prices to stay pretty high in relation to lamb and pork prices?

Mr. Hare

Forecasts are very dangerous things to make. But wholesale prices of beef have fallen since September, and the housewife can help to keep prices at a reasonable level by refusing to buy if they go too high. There will be plentiful supplies of other types, particularly mutton, lamb and pork, becoming available in the coming months.

Mr. Hastings

To what extent does the right hon. Gentleman consider the high prices for beef to be the cause of this lack of consumption? Does he not consider it very important that animal proteins should be consumed in reasonable quantities if the nation is to maintain its health?

Mr. Hare

I shall be answering another Question on consumption. I am glad to say that it is infinitely higher than it was in 1951. Perhaps we might deal with that Question when it comes.