Major MALONEasked the Minister of Food whether the Government have sold or entered into any negotiations to sell to Messrs. Vestey Brothers, Ltd., the whole or any substantial portion of the remaining stocks of imported cut mutton; if so, what quantity has been sold and at what price; and what precautions have been taken to ensure an equitable distribution of this cheap meat to consumers of this country?
§ Mr. McCURDYA certain quantity of the stocks of imported cut mutton surplus to the requirements of this country has been disposed of to the firm named in the question for export. While I am engaged in the heavy task of liquidating to the best advantage of the British Treasury the large stocks of meat which accumulated in this country and in the Colonies under War conditions, it is inadvisable 1991W to publish the details relating to a single transaction. All information relating to this and other transactions will be put before the House when these are completed. I may say, however, that in this particular case the price obtained was higher than that at which the mutton is being sold in this country. A saving to the taxpayer has thus been effected, while the interest of the consumer is sufficiently protected by the fact that supplies of imported mutton amply sufficient for the needs of this country are still available.