§ Captain Ramsayasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the market for cow beef and ewe mutton is seriously affected by the continuous large imports of boneless meat; and whether he will take action in the matter?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware of the increase in imports of boneless beef, to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. This class of beef is mainly consumed in Glasgow by the poorest section of the community and investigations undertaken in recent years by the Market Supply Committee and by the International Beef Conference indicated that these imports were essential for the class of trade concerned. Supplies of all classes of beef are regulated in accordance with the decisions of the International Beef Conference in the light of market requirements. The firm level of prices suggests that prevailing supplies of boneless beef are not in excess of demand.