§ Mr. Isaacsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the present meat control arrangements, so far as they apply to the 2112W London area, are causing serious confusion; that there is, in consequence, a shortage of supplies, unnecessary journeys for retail butchers, with a wastage of petrol, a distribution of much meat of an unsatisfactory nature, unequal distribution between purchasers and complaints of unfairness; and as a feeling of resentment and anger has been aroused, will he reconsider his refusal to re-open Smithfield market?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and I would refer the hon. Member in this connection to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Camberwell North (Mr. Ammon) on the 26th September. The scheme permits in the aggregate of a saving in transport in delivery from the distributing depots to shops owing to the shorter journeys entailed. Arrangements have been made whereby representatives of retail butchers, nominated by the National Federation of Meat Traders' Associations, are co-operating with the staff of each depot in ensuring equitable distribution. I am not aware of any grounds for complaint, but I should be glad to make inquiries into any case which the hon. Member may care to bring to my notice.