HC Deb 09 December 1946 vol 431 c172W
92. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Food the percentage increase over prewar prices being obtained by British farmers for home produced meat as compared with the increase agreed to for meat to be obtained from the Argentine; and if the Argentine meat recently complained about by butchers was bought under the new meat contract.

Dr. Summerskill

It is estimated that in October, 1946, producers' prices for home killed fat cattle, other than cows, were 61 per cent. above prewar; fat sheep 58 per cent.; bacon pigs 90 per cent.; and pork pigs 68 per cent. These figures take account of seasonal variations. The basic increase in prices from the Argentine is likely to be about 45 per cent. above 1939. The meat recently complained about by butchers was bought and shipped before the recent revision of the contract.

96. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Food the price per cwt. of Argentine chilled beef delivered to Smithfield Market.

Dr. Summerskill

Chilled beet is not now being shipped to this country. The prices to be paid for Argentine frozen beef under the new agreement have not yet been settled.

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