§ 110. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the estimated cost to Government funds this year of the price guarantees given to Australian producers of beef, mutton and lamb in consideration of their undertaking to send almost all their meat exports to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the future arrnagements.
§ Mr. H. NichollsProvision was made in the current Estimates for £210,000 to cover liability under the agreement for the year beginning 1st October, 1954. The actual liability will not be known until late December, but on present market 103W prices no payment may be called for. The agreement has recently been reviewed by the two Governments and the results published on 13th September. The schedules of guaranteed prices for lamb and mutton have been brought into line with market differentials. Beef prices are unchanged for the next three years and 5 per cent. lower for the three years following. The amount of meat which Australia may export to destinations other than the United Kingdom and Colonies has been fixed at 10,000 tons per annum.