§ Captain W. BENNasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that supplies of imported meat have been handed over to a few dealers, and that Scottish buyers are finding a difficulty in getting supplies from those distributing agents; and if any steps have been taken to ensure that all parts of the country should receive a fair allocation?
§ Mr. McCURDYIt is not the case that supplies of imported meat have been handed over to a few dealers. Such supplies are handled either by the importing firms, who bring this meat to the country in the ordinary course of trade, or, if the meat belongs to the Government, through the nominated agents who have dealt with it throughout. Total supplies of im- 705W ported beef are at present short, but Scottish buyers should experience no difficulty in getting ample supplies of imported mutton. The distribution of imported meat has been freed from control for over six months.