§ Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the interest of consumers are adversely affected by the fact that his Department charges retailers a level 12.25d. per lb. for second quality ewe mutton which has cost his Department, at the point of sale to the retailer, 8.99d. per lb. for mutton imported from the Argentine, 7.07d. to 7.38d. per lb. from Australia and 7.46d. per lb. from New Zealand, respectively; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. WebbIt would not be in the public interest to disclose the prices we pay for mutton, and I cannot comment on the figures quoted. The selling price for any particular kind of meat is not138W directly related to its cost, because the overall price structure is determined by the subsidy level. But it is our policy to see that the prices for different kinds of meat are properly related, and in doing this we have the interests of consumers well in mind.