§ 4. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how the consumption per capita of butchers' meat in Great Britain at the present time compares with the levels in 1951 and 1938.
§ Mr. John HareIt is estimated that consumption of carcase meat in 1957 was 93.9 lb. per head of the U.K. population, and in 1958 it is expected to be much the same. This compares with 53.6 lb per head in 1951 and 90.7 lb. in the immediate pre-war years.
§ Mr. HurdMay we take this as a reflection of the success of the Government's policy in stimulating home production of still better quality meat?
§ Mr. HareYes, Sir, indeed we may. As I have just said, I would like more beef produced here at home, and I hope the farmers will take the hint.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the right hon. Gentleman say what has happened to the law of supply and demand? Why, when the supply increases, should the price also increase? Surely we should have some advantage from the increased supply in reduced prices; if not, will the Government inquire into this point?
§ Mr. HareAlthough prices may have gone up, consumption has also gone up. I look forward to the day when there will be a steadily increasing volume of supplies which will lead to both higher consumption and lower prices.