Meat Consumption

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 5 Mai 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Major Henry Spence Major Henry Spence , Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire Central 12:00, 5 Mai 1947

asked the Minister of Food by what amount the consumption of meat, including home-produced, imported and canned, exceeded supply during the months February, March and April, respectively.

Photo of Dr Edith Summerskill Dr Edith Summerskill , Fulham West

Consumption exceeded supply by about 59,000 tons in February and about 27,000 tons in March. Provisional figures indicate that in April consumption and supply were practically equal.

Photo of Major Henry Spence Major Henry Spence , Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire Central

Is the hon. Lady aware that this reveals a grave position, showing a run-down in stocks of well over 100,000 tons in the last six months? In view of that fact would she consider the necessity of cutting the meat ration to avoid a breakdown?

Photo of Dr Edith Summerskill Dr Edith Summerskill , Fulham West

I will certainly not commit myself to that. I think the hon. Member knows that my right hon. Friend is discussing the whole question of meat shortage with the trade.