§ Major COURTHOPEasked the Food Controller whether the charge of 11s. 4d. per cwt., made by him upon the gross weight of all cattle marketed, is an administrative charge or a middleman's profit; upon what statutory authority such charge is levied; and whether the Law Officers have been consulted as to its legality?
Mr. ROBERTSThe charge referred to by the hon. and gallant Member represents the difference betwen the price paid to the farmer by the Governmnt buyer in the case of beasts sold for slaughter and the price charged to the butcher. It covers the cost of railage, droving, sea transport (in the case of Irish and Scottish cattle), lairage, slaughtering, insurance, and the general costs of distribution of live stock and meat supplies. The charge is for administrative reasons a flat rate on all beasts irrespective of grade, and is necessary in order to secure for the whole Kingdom equitable distribution of meat supplies at level prices to the consumer. The nature of the charge being as stated, no question as to its legality has arisen, and accordingly the Law Officers of the Crown have not been consulted in the matter. As I have said, however, I hope it may be possible for some reduction in this charge to be made in the near future.