§ 44. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Food under what authority butchers are required to make fractional calculations of meat to be supplied to catering establishments due to the fact that authorisations are not issued by his Department at 65W their face value; and if he will arrange that these calculations are made at the food office.
§ Mr. WebbNotices of alterations in the value of these authorisations are issued under the Food Rationing (General Provisions) Order. I do not think that it would be an advantage to have new authorisations prepared and issued each time there is a change in the amount of the ration. To do so would require the employment of more staff in the food offices; and it would increase the time needed to put a change into effect.
§ 68. Mr. George Craddockasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the concern about the supply of meat in five years' time, he envisages making arrangements for the development of supplies in Queensland, New Zealand, and other parts of the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. WebbMy Department has made clear to the Australian and New Zealand Governments the United Kingdom's keen interest in meat development there. Encouragement to producers is already being provided by a long-term contract with New Zealand and negotiations are in progress for a new long-term Agreement with Australia.
My Department in conjunction with the other Departments concerned has investigated possibilities of development in other parts of the Commonwealth, but problems of disease, cost, and the increasing needs of rising populations do not allow us to expect considerable supplies from these sources.
But, as I have publicly stated, I am seeking every possible means, both at home and overseas, of adding to our long-term meat supplies.
§ 69. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Food on what grounds he refused the application made jointly by the National Farmers' Union and the Agricultural Workers' Union for an additional meat ration for agricultural workers.
§ Mr. WebbI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Norfolk, Central (Brigadier Medlicott) on 30th May.
§ 88. Mr. Alportasked the Minister of Food when he anticipates that the resumption of imports from the Argentine will enable him to increase the meat 66W ration; what this increase will be in quantity per ration book, per week; and what increase in price is likely to be involved.