§ 54. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food what progress has been made with the Argentine in respect to a new contract for meat; how much meat has been supplied since the expiration of the old contract; and on what terms.
§ 57. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food whether he will make a statement on the progress of the negotiations for the procurement of meat from the Argentine.
Dr. HillThe negotiations which are proceeding in a friendly atmosphere cover a wide range of financial and trading matters in addition to meat. New proposals have recently been made by both sides and are now being examined, but my right hon. and gallant Friend cannot make any forecast of the date when a settlement is likely to be reached.
Four thousand tons of meat have been shipped since the completion of the 1951 contract. Payment has been made provisionally at the old price, but this will be adjusted when the new price is settled.