§ 142. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Food if he will give details of the cost of the wholesale distribution of meat and of importing meat at the present time.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe amount paid by the Ministry of Food to the wholesale meat supply associations, who handle the wholesale distribution of meat, was £3,708,771 during the year to 31st March, 1949. The cost to the Ministry of importing meat, including poultry and rabbits, for the same year was £15,360,037 in respect of freight, marine insurance, port dues, landing and Customs Duty. Further costs of £13,416,753 were incurred for storage and warehousing, carriage, and other items including a proportion of the Ministry's overhead expenses, but this sum includes costs of distribution, which I regret cannot be separated.