MEAT SUPPLIES

Southland Times, Issue 21846, 25 October 1932, Page 7

MEAT SUPPLIES

GLUT IN ENGLAND BEEF SELLS AT THREEPENCE PER LB. FARMERS BADLY HIT (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, October 23. An agricultural writer says that the present glut of meat, combined with the high rate of production in Australia and New Zealand being maintained, indicate that it will be some time before supplies arc brought within the British capacity of consumption at an economic price. With frozen beef selling in street booths at 3d per lb the British farmers’ position has become desperate, and the reduced purchasing power of thousands of families is increasing the difficulties. Although the Conservative Commoners Agricultural Committee will be discussing on October 25 the necessity for immediate action to relieve agricultural distress, it is not easy to see what emergency measures are possible. Obviously, the Ottawa agreements must not be diluted. The quota must be given an 18 months’ fair trial, but farmers are disappointed that the Ottawa Conference has not provided for an immediate reduction in the importation of South American chilled meat. It is now suggested that the Argentine tariff discussions should investigate the possibility of a reduction with a view to strengthening prices to a . mtual advantage. Meanwhile the Free State will probably be sending 70,000 fat cattle at present withheld owing to tariffs and aggravating the glut. It is expected that the farmers in view of the low prices will urge the Government to buy English meat to supply the Army and Navy.