§ 4. Mr. Gardnerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes have taken place in the wholesale price of New Zealand mutton and lamb since devaluation.
§ Mr. HoyThe wholesale price of New Zealand lamb on Smithfield has risen by about 5d. per lb. since mid-November. This, however, is primarily because the wholesale prices of all meats, whether imported or home-produced, fluctuate with changes in supply and demand. 389 Moreover, this period spans the normal change to seasonally dearer supplies from the first New Zealand spring killings.
§ Mr. GardnerAlthough it is accepted that as a result of devaluation there will be increases in food prices, will my hon. Friend accept that many people cannot understand why there are increases in the price of supplies coming from countries which have devalued to a greater extent than we devalued? Firm Government action to control prices would receive warm acceptance in the country.
§ Mr. HoyWe do our very best and have many meetings with all concerned. It would be wrong to assume that, because New Zealand devalued by a higher percentage than we did, its lamb automatically becomes cheaper. That is not a price fixed by the exporter but a market-determined price. We do our best to keep prices down.