§ 18. Mr. Wallaceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many head of beef cattle were exported from East Anglian ports and airports during the period January to September, 1964; what was the total value; and what were the comparative figures for the first nine months of 1963.
§ Mr. John MackieIn the period January-September, 1963, nearly 13,000 head of cattle for slaughter worth £880,000 were exported from Boston, Great Yarmouth and Harwich. About 75,000 head worth nearly £5.3 million were exported in the first nine months of this year. Separate figures for East Anglian airports are not available but exports of cattle from all airports have been insignificant.
§ Mr. WallaceIs my hon. Friend aware, in view of the great importance of home beef production for home consumption, that the position in regard to the export of beef cattle should be carefully watched?
§ Mr. MackieI agree, but I should point out to my hon. Friend that these 449 exports have fallen by about half since the high peak period of May and June this year.
§ Mr. SoamesSince the Joint Parliamentary Secretary pressed me earlier in the year to take some action to inhibit the export of beef cattle from this country, will he give an assurance that he does not intend to do so now that he is in power?
§ Mr. MackieNo, Sir. I will not give such an assurance. If this will make any great difference to our meat supplies we will certainly take some action.