HC Deb 05 March 1973 vol 852 cc26-7
29. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the figures of United Kingdom imports of carcase meat from the Irish Republic for the months of July to December 1972, and January 1973.

Sir G. Howe

Imports of meat of cattle, sheep and pigs in the period July—December 1972 amounted to some 50,000 tons valued at £22 million. In January of this year the corresponding figures were nearly 7,000 tons and £4 million respectively. Detailed monthly information is given in table III of the monthly Overseas Trade Statistics which is available in the Library.

Mr. Pavitt

What has been the effect on this increase of our entry into the Common Market? Has there been a change in subsidy? Is this one of the reasons why meat has almost been priced out of the housewife's cooking pot?

Sir G. Howe

No. There has been no effect on these figures from our accession to the Community.

Mr. Body

Would not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that this huge decrease coincides with a huge increase by the French of some 2,700 per cent. in their import of meat from Ireland?

Sir G. Howe

The increase or diversion of our supplies from the Republic became significant before our accession, and this is a reflection of the problem of the world shortage which has increased meat prices in many countries.

Mr. Benn

Can the Minister explain how it is that in the 17 weeks since the freeze began meat prices have risen 9.1 per cent. whereas in an exactly comparable period last year when there was no freeze they fell by 3.3 per cent.?

Sir G. Howe

For precisely the reason I have just given and which I would have thought the right hon. Gentleman would understand: for the reason that during this period there has been a shortage of meat and an increase in the world prices for this commodity.