§ Captain WRIGHTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) if, in making any modification of the existing live-weight meat prices, he will consider substituting the following scale of prices for cow-beef: 70s., 64s., 58s., 53s. in place of the present scale of 70s., 62s., and 53s., all per cwt.; and (2) whether it is the intention of the Food Controller to fix a flat rate of price of 1s. 2d. per lb. deadweight for all meat, whether of bulls, cows, screws, bullocks, or heifers, irrespective of the quality of the meat?
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§ Mr. CLYNESIn the event of any modification being made in the schedules of maximum live-weight cattle prices, the suggestion made by the hon. Member will receive consideration. If and so far as the system of sale of cattle by dead-weight is adopted by the Ministry of Food, the flat rate price will apply to all carcases irrespective of the quality of the meat. No decision has as yet been arrived at as to the amount of the flat rate. In view of the small quantity of prime beef which can be produced under present conditions, and of the many practical difficulties which would be involved in enforcing a system of different maximum prices for different qualities of meat, it would not appear necessary or desirable to attempt any such differentiation.