HC Deb 22 July 1963 vol 681 c1038
20. Mr. C. Royle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take in respect of home and imported supplies, as a result of the increase in wholesale meat prices in recent weeks.

Mr. Soames

The only meat to show any significant rise in price in recent weeks has been beef. Wholesale beef prices have now recovered from the exceptionally low levels reached in April, but are still only about the same level as at this time last year. I see no need for any steps to be taken at present, but I can assure the hon. Member that I am keeping the market situation under constant review.

Mr. Royle

Is it not logical that if restrictions on imports are imposed when prices go down the restrictions should be lifted when prices move the other way? Does not all this show that the deficiency payments scheme is not much good? When will the Verdon Smith Committee report?

Mr. Soames

I disagree profoundly with what the hon. Member has said about the deficiency payments schemes. What we have done is to ensure that meat is at the same sort of reasonable price as it was during 1962, which was lower than anywhere else in Europe and below the guaranteed price to our farmers. But for the arrangements which we made with the Argentine earlier in the year, I believe that we would have faced—which, I am now hopeful, we need not have to face—a considerable Supplementary Estimate, as happened two years ago, which, I am sure, the hon. Member would not welcome any more than we would.

Mr. Royle

When will the Verdon Smith Committee report?

Mr. Soames

I hope in the autumn.

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