HC Deb 30 October 1919 vol 120 cc892-3W
Mr. HAYDN JONES

asked the Minister of Food what portion of the expenditure in connection with the control, grading, and slaughter of live stock is borne by the Exchequer and the public respectively; and what addition to the price of meat is due to this expenditure?

Mr. McCURDY

There is no charge on the Exchequer in connection with the control, grading, and slaughter of live stock. The necessary expenditure represents a charge to the consumer of slightly less than l¼d. per lb., of which 1d. is required to cover railage, auctioneers' commission, cost of slaughtering, and other expenses of a similar nature, which would be included in the cost of meat even if control were removed. Expenses of administration, and the fees paid to graders of stock, together with a proportion of the general costs of the rationing system, make up the remaining ¼d.

Mr. H. JONES

asked the Minister of Food whether he will state the number of persons employed in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, in connection with the control, grading, and slaughter of live stock, and the total annual expenditure, including travelling and other allowances, in connection therewith?

Mr. McCURDY

It has not been possible in the short time available to prepare the figures for which the hon. Member asks. I will, however, have a full statement sent to him as soon as possible.

Mr. H. JONES

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that the prices payable for stock to farmers and the prices at which meat is to be sold to the public are controlled, he will consider the desirability of discontinuing the grading system, and thereby effecting an immediate reduction in the price of meat?

Mr. McCURDY

The hon. Member would appear to be under a misapprehension. The system of grading was introduced after careful consideration as the only possible method of enforcing control and of estimating the price to be paid to the farmer for fat stock. I do not agree that its discontinuance would have the effect of reducing the price of meat, and I am not, therefore, able to accede to his suggestion.