§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he is satisfied that there are adequate supplies of meat in storage to prevent a shortage to consumers if supplies of home beef are temporarily withdrawn; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what will be the effect of the proposed withdrawal of meat supplies by farmers on the availability and price of meat to consumers;
(3) what discussions he has had with farmers and meat traders, respectively, on the proposed withdrawal of supplies of home-produced meat by farmers;
(4) what steps he is taking in view of the proposed withdrawal by farmers of 295W supplies of home-produced meat to ensure the availability of meat at reasonable prices.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe effect of any withdrawal of supplies clearly depends on the quantity affected and on the time at which the withdrawal takes place. There are reasonable supplies of meat in storage at present, both home-killing and imported. I would not expect the withholding action for one week threatened by the National Farmers' Union to have any significant effect on the supply and retail prices of meat in general. However, I would greatly regret any difficulty, inconvenience or loss that might be caused to consumers, auctioneers or those engaged in the meat trades. My Department is maintaining the usual contacts with the interests concerned and I am keeping the situation under review.