COLONIAL MEAT IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2496, 24 June 1915, Page 5

COLONIAL MEAT IN LONDON

ACCUMULATED STOCKS QUESTIONS IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT (Rec. Juiie 23, 3.30 p.m.) London, June 23. Replying to Mr. Thome's questions in the House of Commons, Mr. Walter Runcimaiij President of the Board of Trade, said that the Government was making every effort to remove the accumulation of stocks of meat in Australia and Now Zealand as quickly as possible. Two vessels had been sent to New Zealand, at tho Imperial Government's expense, to relieve the situation. Some of the refrigerated vessels were being used as stcreships at ports where the cold storage was insufficient, but not. at London. The Government- was neitlier asking nor fixing the price. The meat was Doing sold on commission in accordance with the ordinary market practice. Mr. _ Thorne asked if the 'Advisory Committee had drawn up a scheme for the sale of commandeered meat without regard 7 10 the nation's needs, but solely to retain certain firms' control over cortain brands. Mr. Runciman said that the question involved charges of a grave breach of public duty against Mr. T. Mackenzie, New Zealand High Commissioner, and Sir T. B. Robinson, Queensland AgentGeneral, wlio were distinguished publio servants, and he did not question their probity. Mr. Runciman said he was satisfied that Mr. Nelson's business interests did not preclude him giving independent advice. No complaint had been made to the Board of Trade about the way the sales of meat were conducted on the market, and tho boaid was satisfied with the arrangements. The Australian and New Zealand Governments had assented to the procedure. WATCHING BRITAIN'S MEAT SUPPLIES NEW STOCK .REGULATIONS. London, June 22. The Government Bill to secure the maintenance of sufficient cattle, sheep, and swine, empowers the Board of Agriculture to restrict the slaughter of cows in calf and young animals.