§ Mr. THOMAS-STANFORDasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the price fixed for live stock per cwt., which in theory is intended to work out at an equivalent to the dead carcase weight, does not, in fact, do so; that the committee appointed by the butchers of Brighton and Hove, with the approval of the corporations, to manage the local meat supply made between 21st January and 17th August a loss of over £4,000, being 609W the difference between the price paid at market and that received from individual butchers; whether the Government will make, good this loss in whole or in part; and whether steps are being taken to ensure a more equitable adjustment of the prices for the future?
§ Major ASTORI was not aware of the loss sustained by the Brighton and Hove Butchers' Association, nor can it be expected that the Government will make good any such loss. I cannot agree with the suggestion made in the first part of the question with regard to relation between the prices of live stock and of dead meat, as, if the grading is correctly carried out, the former method of purchase is more profitable to the butcher than the latter.
§ Mr. THOMAS-STANFORDasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the Regulation that beasts for slaughter are to be weighed after fasting for not less than five hours is habitually ignored; and whether if it is not practicable to enforce it, a fair allowance to the butchers will be made either in weight or in price?
§ Major ASTORI am not aware that the Regulation referred to is being ignored to any appreciable extent. Instructions have from time to time been issued to the market officials that the utmost vigilance should be exercised in regard to this matter, and every effort is made to see that these instructions are carried out. Further instructions have recently been issued to the effect that where it has been found necessary, owing to the congested state of the markets, to weigh stock insufficiently fasted, the graders shall make allowance for the condition of the animals by assessing the estimated yield of meat at a correspondingly lower figure.
§ Captain Viscount WOLMERasked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the severe losses occasioned to farmers by the present prices and methods of paying for cattle and sheep; and whether he is prepared to take any action in the matter?
§ Major ASTORI am not aware that the present prices and methods of paying for cattle and sheep occasion severe losses to farmers. If the Noble Lord will give me particulars of any instance in which serious loss has been incurred, I will cause the matter to be investigated.