Major NEWMANasked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the low-grade quality of imported frozen or chilled meat which continues to be sold to the general public; will he say what was the total quantity of meat purchased, either directly from the United States or through American firms operating in other countries, during the year 1918; and of this, how many thousands of tons still remain for consumption?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe total quantity of meat purchased during the year 1918 in the United States was 282,000 tons, of which about 28,000 tons is still in stock in this country, and a further 24,000 tons is awaiting shipment. I am unable to give similar information with regard to the amount of 573W meat acquired from American firms operating in other countries, since the greater part of this meat was purchased for and consumed by the, Allied Armies. I am informed that the quality of imported frozen or chilled meat has recently improved.
Major NEWMANasked she Food Controller whether he is aware that the Federated Trade Commission on the meat-packing industry in the United States reported, in July of last year, that the evidence brought before them disclosed an intricate fabric of monopolies, controls, combinations, conspiracies, and restraints, and that the meat-packing industry of the country was in the hands of five firms who controlled the price at which meat should be sold to the consumer or for export; and whether he intends to appoint a committee to investigate how far the operations of these firms is responsible for the high price and shortage of meat to our home population?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Food Controller has seen the statements referred to by the hon. and gallant Member, and is in consultation, with the President of the Board of Trade with a view to taking such action as may be deemed desirable. I would state, however, that the price at which meat was to be sold for export was not fixed by the packing firms, but by the United States Food Administration, and was the same as that paid for meat purchased on behalf of the Government of the United States. I may, perhaps, add that a committee appointed by the Ministry of Reconstruction to consider the provision of safeguards against monopolies and trusts so far as they affect this country has been taking evidence for some months and its report may be expected almost immediately.
Major NEWMANasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that five firms, Swift, Armour, Morris, Cudahy, and Wilson, who control the meat industry in the United States and South America, are directly represented in Great Britain by fifteen firms mostly trading under names that imply no connection with their American principals; and can he say what proportion of the meat imported into this country is handled by those fifteen American subsidiary concerns?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not574W arise. I may say, however, that all meat imported into this country from the United States of America is purchased at the same prices as are charged to the American Government, and is distributed under the direction of the Food Controller.