HC Deb 11 November 1920 vol 134 cc1396-7W
Major MALONE

asked the Minister of Food whether the average price realised for cut imported mutton wholesale on Smithfield has risen 1s. per stone during the last fortnight; and whether such rise is duo to the large sales to Messrs. Vestey Brothers for export?

Mr. McCURDY

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part, therefore, does not arise.

Major MALONE

asked the Minister of Food whether his chief adviser with regard to the sale of imported meat is the Director of Meat Supplies; and whether this gentleman is connected with Messrs. Vestey Brothers or with their subsidiary companies?

Mr. McCURDY

I rely for advice in connection with sales of meat upon a committeee appointed for that purpose, of which the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry is the chairman. The Director of Meat Supplies joined the Ministry at the end of 1917. It is correct that Messrs. Vestey Brothers acquired in 1919 a controlling interest in one of the companies with which he is connected. The facts were fully disclosed at the time by the Director of Meat Fupplies, who formally tendered his resignation, but after full consideration of the circumstances, this was not accepted

Mr. GLANVILLE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the price paid by the Government or other importers for imported beef and mutton either from our Colonies or from foreign countries?

Mr. McCURDY

I have been asked to reply. The contracts made by the Board of Trade on behalf of the British Government for the purchase of beef and mutton both from the Colonies and from foreign countries have all expired, with the exception of the contract with the State of Queensland which expires on the 30th instant. With regard to the prices paid for mutton I would refer the hon. Member to a reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Trade to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich on the 3rd of March, in which it was stated that the f.o.b. prices paid in New Zealand and Australia ranged from 4⅝d. to 5⅜d. per lb. according to quality. Corresponding prices paid for beef were 4¼d. to 5d. per lb. Information regarding the prices which are paid by private importers is not available.