HC Deb 25 October 1950 vol 478 cc355-6W
Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Food how much old ewe mutton was bought in the last 12 months; whether all of this has now been sold; whether it was all classified as B quality; and if all of it was accepted by the butchers.

Mr. Webb

About 73,000 tons of all qualities of ewe mutton were imported in the 12 months July, 1949—June, 1950, the latest complete year for which figures are available. Some of this is still in store, since the ration is mainly made up with home-killed meat at this time of year. All imported ewe mutton issued to butchers for ration purposes should be sold at second quality prices. While individual butchers have been reluctant to accept some of the ewe mutton for the ration, all that has been offered has been sold.