§ Captain REDMONDasked the Minister of Food whether there are thousands of tons of frozen mutton at present lying in cold storage in ships at ports in this country; whether there is great congestion at these ports; whether there exists an urgent demand for these supplies; whether there is a plentiful supply in Australia and New Zealand awaiting shipment; whether the holding up of these stocks causes high prices, deterioration, and waste; and what steps he proposes to take to secure their release and proper distribution?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply to this question. With regard to the first two parts of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given yesterday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall). There is a plentiful supply of meat in Australia and New Zealand. Stocks are not being held up, but are put into consumption as required by the Ministry of Food, and an early reduction in the price of mutton has been determined on.
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Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Food what was the c.i.f. price the Government paid on 1st October, 1919, 1st January, and 1st March, 1920, respectively, for mutton imported into this country?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI have been asked to reply to this question. The Government has bought Australian and New Zealand mutton at prices ranging from 4⅝d. to 5⅜d. per lb. f.o.b., according to quality. The freight on mutton is 1 13/16d. per lb., plus 5 per cent. These prices and charges have been the same at all the three dates mentioned. In addition the Government has had to pay heavy charges for storage in New Zealand of meat awaiting shipment, and has had to raise an insurance fund against risks on shore and at sea.