HC Deb 18 July 1922 vol 156 cc1931-2W
Mr. M. WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade what number of live cattle could be accommodated in the space available for chilled meat on an average vessel conveying chilled meat to this country?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

An exact comparison as desired by the hon. Member is not practicable since dead meat can be carried in space which cannot be utilised for live animals. But I am informed that a vessel capable of carrying about 3,000 tons of dead meat, if properly fitted, could probably carry from 600 to 1,000 head of live cattle.

Mr. WILSON

asked the President of the Board of Trade the present freight cost per ton of chilled meat from Montreal to Liverpool and also the cost per ton for live cattle between the same ports?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

There have been no shipments of chilled meat from Canada to Liverpool for some time, but I understand that the ocean freight rate at the present time would be equivalent, at present rates of exchange, to approximately £6 15s. per ton I am informed that the ocean freight rate for fat cattle together with cost of fodder and attendance on the voyage, is equivalent to approximately £14 per ton live weight.