§ Mr. WISEasked the Minister of Agriculture how many county or county borough councils have submitted applica-
638Wnental meat embargo on prices was negligible, will he state whether he intends to remove the embargo?
Mr. BUXTONThe wholesale pork prices quoted by my hon. Friend are substantially correct, though rather on the high side according to the prices published by the Market Superintendent at the London Central Markets, but I regret that I have no information as to retail pork prices. If, however, the implication in the question is that the embargo on fresh meat from the Continent imposed in June, 1926, is responsible for the existence of a higher level of prices for pork at the present time, than during the period prior to the appointment in November, 1924, of the Royal Commission on Food Prices, I would point out such price movements as have taken place only represent well-recognised cyclical fluctuations in pig prices both at home and abroad. I have carefully considered whether any modification of the embargo is possible, but I am afraid that it is undoubtedly necessary for the protection of livestock in this country from disease.