HC Deb 02 February 1948 vol 446 c237W
110. Mr. Bowden

asked the Minister of Food what is the function of the Wholesale Meat Suppliers Association in the distribution of meat to the public; what remuneration does this association receive and to what extent the meat is handled by them.

Mr. Strachey

The Wholesale Meat Supply Associations, of which there are eight, undertake the wholesale distribution of all home-killed and imported meat and offals as the agents of the Ministry of Food. They are responsible for the physical handling of the meat and offals from the time that they are received from slaughterhouse or cold store until they are sold to the retailers. The Associations are paid on a commission basis. During 1946–47 they received £3,666,838. Out of this, they had to meet all their expenses, the balance being available for distribution to their members as remuneration for their services.