§ 8. Mr. David Stoddartasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the consumption in ounces per head per week in the United Kingdom of carcase meat and beef, respectively, in the second quarter of 1954 and the third quarter of 1972.
§ 28. Mr. Bodyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the consumption of carcase meat in the United Kingdom in the second quarter of 1954 and the third quarter of 1972 in ounces per head per week.
§ 31. Dr. Gilbertasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the consumption of beef in ounces per head in the United Kingdom in the second quarter of 1954 and the third quarter of 1972.
§ Mr. GodberAs the answer contains a series of figures, I will, with permission, circulate the information in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. StoddartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the latest food survey figures show a very disturbing trend? Is he aware that in the second quarter of 1954—the last quarter of food rationing—the consumption of carcase meat per head was 17.33 ounces per week and that in the third quarter of 1972 it was only 13.8 ounces per week? Bearing in mind his previous answer, does he agree that it seems that we are now having rationing not physically but by price?
§ Mr. GodberI could perhaps help the House if I gave the total figures, which will appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT, which are that carcase meat as a whole—this does not include poultry meat—for the second quarter of 1954 was 23.88 ounces and for the third quarter of 1972 was 27.28 ounces, showing an increase of 14 per cent. If poultry was added one would have an increase of 27 per cent. in total meat consumption over that period.
§ Mr. BodyDoes my right hon. Friend agree that if the British housewife could buy beef at an average price of 39p per lb more of it would be eaten? That is precisely the average price of beef available to the Japanese housewife, who is now obtaining beef from Australia as a 1434 result of Australia diverting its supplies from this country.
§ Mr. GodberI was not aware of the price in Japan. No doubt there are many factors which lead to the formation of prices in different countries. What I have made clear is that this country is a substantial net importer, and imports large quantities from other countries. The facts which I have given indicate the precise consumption figures.
§ Mr. StoddartIs it in order for the Minister not to give figures in answer to my Question and then subsequently to give them in answer to a supplementary question—particularly when they are rigged figures? Is that in order?
§ Mr. SpeakerCertainly it is. No question of order arises. The Chair has no control over the contents of an answer, subject to certain reservations.
§ Mr. BuchanSurely the right hon. Gentleman is moving into very dodgy territory. I recognise his problem. The Prime Minister, having made a foolish statement, now wants his other Departments to bear him out. The right hon. Gentleman referred to the food survey figures in answer to Question No. 1. Why on Question No. 1? Why does he now change his methodology and use a new type of figuring? Is this change of figuring to protect the absurdities of his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and get him out of a mess?
§ Mr. GodberI do not think that I referred to the food survey figures in Question No. 1. So far as I recall there certainly was no reference to that in what I read out. What I gave was the figure as I have it. I have given the figure in regard to the figures taken from the Ministry's tables on food supplies moving into consumption in the United Kingdom. [Interruption.] These are official figures. I assume that hon. Members are not challenging their authenticity. They are trying to draw figures from the food survey which do not give total consumption. The figures for the food survey do not take any account of food consumed in schools, hotels, works canteens and restaurants. Food is consumed in large quantities in such places, and there has been a substantial increase in eating in these different sectors. That is the change.
§ Following is the information:
§ The table shows total consumption in the United Kingdom, in ounces per head per week, of carcase meat and beef, respectively, in the second quarter of 1954 and the third quarter of 1972.
| 2nd Quarter | 3rd Quarter | ||
| 1954 | 1972 | ||
| Beef and Veal | … | 11.53 | 12.76 |
| Mutton and Lamb | … | 7.31 | 6.30 |
| Pork | … | 5.04 | 8.22 |
| Totals | … | 23.88 | 27.28 |
§ The above figures are derived from the Ministry's tables of "Food Supplies Moving into Consumption in the United Kingdom", prepared annually. These include meat subsequently processed and meat consumed in institutions and catering establishments.