HC Deb 20 February 1919 vol 112 cc1141-3W
Mr. G. H. ROBERTS

has, in pursuance of the promise given to Mr. Kennedy Jones on the 13th instant [Official Report, col. 290], furnished the following table showing the total stocks of food in the United Kingdom, the quantities held by and in transit to the Ministry of Food, and the quantities purchased for shipment to the United Kingdom but as yet unshipped. The stocks and quantities are given as on or about 1st February, 1919:

— Ministerial Stocks in the United Kingdom. In transit to the United Kingdom. Commitments (unshipped purchases). Total Stocks in the United Kingdom.
Quantity. In week's consumption.
Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons.
Wheat and Flour (as Wheat) … 1,049,000 6 6–7 95,000 1,420,000 2,765,000
Maize … … … … 33,000 2 4–7 114,400 272,000 33,000
Rice … … … … 146,000 29 1–7 25,900 40,000 146,000
Meat—Fresh and Frozen … 73,000 2 6–7 7,200 26,800 102,600
Preserved … … 15,000 9 3–7 — 50 24,500
Bacon and Hams … 52,200 5 2–7 18,900 38,700 64,600
Butter … … … … 12,400 8 6–7 8,100 18,900 12,400
Cheese … … … … 11,000 7 6–7 3,500 29,800 16,100
Lard … … … … 26,200 10 3–7 6,800 8,000 28,900
Condensed Milk … … 18,700 5 3,000 17,100 32,200
Tea … … … … 57,600 19 1–7 13,400 14,000 63,000
Dried Fruit … … … 1,800 1 7,300 30,100 9,400
Sugar … … … … 300,000 9 5–7 91,700 1,128,000 364,000
Canned Salmon … … 27,000* — — — 30,400
(Total fish)
* Includes commitments.

The total stocks of food given in the last column of the above table are obtained from a return made by the actual holders of stocks in granaries and warehouses but do not include the goods in the possession of the smaller wholesalers or of retailers. Such total stocks in most cases, and especially in the case of provisions, are considerably in excess of the stocks owned by the Ministry, as they include

goods which have been handed over by the Ministry for the purpose of distribution but still remain in warehouse. The total stocks of the main cereals include the stocks on farms as estimated by the Board of Agriculture, The total stocks, especially in the case of meat, bacon and cheese, include considerable quantities which are at the disposal of the War Office and cannot be reckoned on as available for home consumption.

The stock of rice is large, a feature not uncommon during the War period and due to the import into the United Kingdom of supplies which previously went to enemy countries. The stock of cheese in terms of weekly consumption is calculated on the assumption that only one-half of the normal quantity is to be distributed; but the availability of the cheese stock for general consumption is further diminished by the fact that considerable quantities are assigned to the Food Commissioners for special distribution in particular districts.

The quantity in weeks' consumption of Ministerial stocks requires this explanation. Stated without qualification, it suggests that stocks are in some cases rather short, e.g., in case of meat, that there is less than three weeks' supplies. In point of fact, the flocks and herds are not included in the Ministerial stocks, which at the present time are drawn upon, to the extent, roughly, of 10,000 tons a week. The same qualification applies to stocks of bacon and dairy produce.

The cost of the stocks owned by the Ministry, and especially of those which are in this country, forms part of the subject engaging the attention of the Committee appointed to make recommendations as to reductions in price. Certain facts, however, can be stated.

  1. (1) Meat.—Of the 73,000 tons held by the Ministry, 40,000 tons were purchased in North America at an approximate cost of 1s. 3d. per lb., and 33,000 tons in South America at an approximate cost of 10½d. per lb. Meat is pooled and sold at a flat rate.
    • A reduction of 2d. per lb. on both home and imported meat has been announced, and this, it is estimated, can be effected without incurring charges on public funds.
  2. (2) Tea.—Tea will be freed from control at an early date.
  3. (3) Sugar.—Having regard to the high price paid for the Cuban crop and the rise of price in Java, there is no prospect of reduction in the immediate future. The wholesale price at present is considerably below the price at which supplies can be obtained.
  4. (4) Condensed Milk.—The sale of condensed milk has been freed, and a reduction in price has already taken place.
  5. (5) Bacon.—The present prices paid by the Ministry for bacon are in excess of the price at which stock is being sold.
  6. (6) Lard.—The position with regard to lard is similar to that of bacon.
  7. (7) Butter.—The cost to the Ministry of both stocks and commitments is approximately 210s. per cwt.
  8. (8) Cheese.—The cost of stocks and commitments of cheese is approximately 121s. per cwt.