MEAT SUPPLIES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 10432, 10 November 1919, Page 5

MEAT SUPPLIES

GOVERNMENT BLAMED CRITICISM BY BRITISH IMPORTERS. By Teleeraph—Presp Association—Copyright Australian and ?f.Z. Cable Asiociation. {Received November 9, 5.5 p.m.) I/ONDON. November 5. Replying to Mr C. A. McCurdy's recent speech advocating tho continuance of the meat control tho British Incorporated Society of Meat Importers points out that the world's exportable surplus of meat, exclusive of pork, ham and bacon, is 1.250,000 tons for a year, of which the United Kingdom requires 750,000 tons, leaving half a million tons for new Continental requirements, but even if ships could be found to carry that quantity to tho Continent there are not stores to hold it nor refrigerated -wagons to transport it. Mr McCurdy had referred to the American Meat Trust as being ready to exploit this position, but the Government during the war had done a great deal through ignorance and apathy to foster and Strengthen the American groups' hold on tho British market. Tho Government had done nothing to assist British interests. Mr McCurdy had stated that tlie food control had not checked this menace, but had operated against British trade interests and in favour of foreign. The present high prices were maintained because of the control. If it was removed to-day imported meat would fall threepence per pound before the end of the year. Homo meat would quickly follow.