§ 66. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the recent increase in the prices of meat, he will consider the reimposition of price control.
Dr. HillNo. That would not be effective without a return to allocations and the ration book in place of the freedom of choice which the public so evidently enjoy.
§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the concern at the high prices of beef and that this could have been avoided if a reasonable amount had been released from his Department's stock of imported meat; and, in view of the public interest, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Mr. AmoryThe recent increase in the price of home-killed fresh beef is due to the normal seasonal decline in fat cattle production which was at record levels in the last quarter of 1954. The preference for fresh beef is strong and many customers are prepared to pay higher prices for the seasonally lower supplies now available. Consequently, the demand for imported beef has been much reduced. Ample releases of imported beef have been made by my Department and at no time during the past three months have the importers had on hand less than a month's supply of frozen beef at the prevailing rate of issue. As a result of this policy, the wholesale prices of frozen beef are little different from the reasonable levels which have ruled for it throughout the autumn.