HC Deb 21 January 1953 vol 510 c30W
61. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Food what effect the new Argentine meat agreement will have on the ration; how far the increased cost of the meat will be passed on to the consumer: and how the price will be affected.

64. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement on the Argentine agreement; and to what extent price increases in butcher meat will be consequent on this agreement.

Major Lloyd George

The main provisions of the agreement which has just been concluded, are published in a White Paper, Command No. 8744, issued on 19th January. Under this agreement, Argentina undertakes to supply us with 238,000 tons of carcase meat and offals during the next 12 months. As already announced, the meat ration will be increased from 1 s. 8d. worth a week to 1s. 9d. worth from next Sunday.

I am also issuing a large quantity of meat to butchers and manufacturers for sausages and other meat products.

I do not propose to make any immediate change in the retail price of meat.

63. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Food at what prices meat will be bought from the Argentine under the latest agreement; and how these prices compare with those paid under the previous agreement.

Major Lloyd George

The prices for the principal types of meat under the 1951 Protocol and the agreement just concluded are as follow:

appointed to prepare a plan for England and Wales for the siting of slaughterhouses under the policy explained in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Mr. Speir) on 5th November, 1952.

I hope shortly to be able to announce the constitution of the Committee.