Colonel THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food 180W how many sides of beef forwarded from Birkenhead to London by the buying agents under his scheme were seized in the City of London as tuberculous, dropsical, emaciated, or suffering from other diseases and condemned between Monday, 18th, and Wednesday, 20th February; whether he is aware that under the Smith-field Wholesale Association's scheme many small salesmen who have conducted their businesses in a straightforward manner for years will be obliterated; and whether he will see that none of the firms sending these diseased goods to London are retained as active factors in the meat trade at the expense of others who have abstained from such practices?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am informed that the amount of beef consigned from Birkenhead and condemned in London between the 18th and 20th February was fourteen sides and two forequarters. With regard to the second part of the question, I cannot agree that the formation of the London Wholesale Meat Supply Association will lead to the obliteration of any firms, however small. The diseased cattle in question were shipped to Birkenhead from Ireland, and the Food Controller is now in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland as to the terms of an Order which it is hoped will prevent further export of undesirable cattle and beef to Great Britain.
Colonel THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a system of profiteering has been developed by the Wholesale Association of Smithfield Market, and that, substantially, all cattle bought at 6s. 4d. per stone are disposed of at 8s. to 8s. 4d. per stone, which represents anything from 25 to 33 per cent. profit; what becomes of this profit; when this association will make up its accounts; whether they will be published; and if all persons interested in the trade will be entitled to scrutinise them?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo system of profiteering has been or can be developed by the London Wholesale Meat Supply Association, seeing that any profit or loss on the purchase and sale of cattle or meat is for the account of the Ministry of Food. As regards cattle fit only for boning, to which I understand the hon. Member to allude, the average profit is considerably smaller than that suggested. The accounts of the 181W association will be made up annually and compliance will be made with the requirements of the Companies Acts with regard to such accounts.