GLUT OF MEAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 252, 24 October 1932, Page 7

GLUT OF MEAT.

LONDON MARKET. British Farmers' Position Gets Desperate. AGRICULTURAL DISTRESS. (" Times " Cables.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) LONDON", October 23. "The Times" agricultural writer says that the present glut of meat, combined with the high rate of production in Australia and New Zealand, which is being maintained, indicates that it will be some time before supplies are brought within the British capacity of consumption at an economic price. With frozen beef celling at street booths for 3d a lb, the British farmers' position has become desperate. The reduced purchasing power of thousands of families is increasing the difficulties.

Although the Conservative M.P.'s and the Agricultural Committee will discuss on October 25 the necessity of immediate action to relieve the agricultural distress, it is not easy to see what emergency measures are possible. Obviously the Ottawa agreements must not be diluted, and the quota must be given a fair trial for 18 months, but farmers are disappointed that Ottawa did not provide an immediate reduction of South American chilled meat. It is now suggested that the Argentina tariff discussions will investigate the possibility _of a reduction with a view to strengthening prices to mutual advantage. Meanwhile the Irish Free State will probably send 70,000 fat cattle at present withheld owing to the tariffs, and this is aggravating the glut. It is expected that the farmers, in view of the low prices, will urge the Government to buy British meat to supply the Army and Navy.