§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food what action he is taking to obviate a shortage of both fresh and frozen meat in March and April and, consequently, a rise in prices.
Mr. AmoryMy Department has built up substantial stocks of all types of frozen meat, and the trade with all supplying countries outside the dollar area has been thrown open to private importers upon the completion of bulk purchase contracts. Following the early and heavy killing season in Australia and New Zealand, substantial and increasing quantities of privately imported meat are arriving. There therefore seems no reason to expect a shortage of frozen meat in March and April and wholesale prices should remain at reasonable levels. It is, however, impossible to avoid a reduction in fresh meat supplies in the first half of the year when fatstock marketings are seasonally low, though by freeing the market we have successfully encouraged farmers to market their stock at a more level rate than under the fixed price control system.