§ MR. WHITEasked the Food Controller (1) whether the whole cost of the control of meat is now paid by the consumer; and whether he is aware that competent judges are of the opinion that if control were removed there would be an immediate reduction to the consumer of 4d. to 6d. per pound;
(2) whether the Government charges are 3d. per pound more than they pay on all cattle slaughtered on the dead-weight basis; whether the charges are 9s. per cwt. on live cattle, amounting to nearly £6 per beast on the average, and about 12s. per head on live sheep; whether those best able to judge strongly advise the abolition of control; and whether he will advise the Government to abolish control immediately, with a view to the lowering of prices to the consumer?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe figures quoted by the hon. Member in the latter question384W are substantially correct. As I have frequently explained, these charges cover all expenses, such as railage, lairage, auctioneers' commission, market tolls, weighing, slaughtering charges, insurance against tuberculosis, and, in addition, provide a fund to meet the increased prices to be paid later in the season to the farmers, thereby enabling the Ministry of Food to soil meat at a flat rate to the retailer. The administrative charges arising out of Government control are regarded as a trading expense, and are accordingly covered by the price paid by the consumer for meat. The Food Controller is now in consultation with the President of the Board of Agriculture on the question whether, in the interests of the producer and consumer, any alteration should be made in the present arrangement for control.
§ Mr. WHITEasked the Food Controller how much money his Department has received or is due to receive for British cattle, sheep, and dead meat for the month of October, 1919; and how much was paid or is due to the farmers for the same period for the said cattle, sheep, and dead meat?
§ Mr. McCURDYI regret that the obtaining of the detailed figures asked for by the hon. Member would involve an amount of clerical work which my Department with its depleted staff is unable to undertake. Figures as to the net amount received by the Ministry of Food for the month of October will be available shortly, and if the hon. Member will put down a question I will endeavour to give him the information.