§ 18. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food why he continues to control the price of poultry since its price is below the controlled limit; and if he will now abolish this control.
§ Mr. StracheyI am glad to say that it is a fact that some, though not all, types of poultry are now selling below maximum prices but I am advised that this is probably no more than a temporary seasonal feature and that demand is now increasing with the approach to
Commodity Weight condemned since 1st January. 1949 Quantity handled by Ministry of Food since 1st January, 1949 (excluding stocks as at 1st January) Percentage (a) of (b) Remarks (a) (b) tons cwts. tons per cent. Imported meat, rabbits and poultry. 322 0 644,700 .05 Includes losses at shipside, fire damage, transit damage, cold store damage, damage and condemnations at wholesale depots or retail shops. Home killed meat. 2,246 0 353,000 .64 Almost entirely condemned through disease discovered after slaughter. Bacon and ham 9 89,000 negligible — Dripping 4 0 33,150 .01 — Butter 1 4 260,000 negligible — Cheese 45 0 210,000 .02 — Condensed milk 30 0 140,000 .02 — Canned fish 4 10 25,700 .02 — Canned fruit 54 0 26,990 .2 — Dried fruit 80 0 128,558 .06 — Canned fruit juices. 150 0 4,300 3.49 — Coffee 1 10 27,600 negligible Contaminated by oil on ship from East African and condemned on arrival. Edible nuts 51 5 25,609 .2 — Shell eggs 25 6 260,627 .01 — Egg products 6 6 25,721 .02 — Wheat 7,372 0 4,827,000 .15 Includes 6,509 tons imported and condemned on arrival due to ship damage and sundry causes. Pulse 71 0 130,000 .05 — Flour 18,666 0 3,889,000 .48 Includes 17,882 tons imported and condemned on arrival at United Kingdom port. Potatoes 312 0 1,405,000 .02 Includes a shipload of 306 tons from Northern Ireland which deteriorated owing to delay in transit.