WORLD MEAT SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 45, 17 November 1919, Page 5

WORLD MEAT SHORTAGE

STATEMENT BY BRITISH FOOD AiINISTRY SITUATION FULL OF MENACE Br Ttltjropfc-Prena Aisoolfction-Oopyrlrtt London, November 12. Dealing with the meat situation, Mr. C. A. M'Curdy, of the Pood Ministry, says that a scramble for meat imports appears to bo inevitable. Europe's livo stock has been reduced to one-third. Britain must import in 1920 mpro than a million tons, and the. Continent at least threo millions, or as much aa it was able to buy. At present the world's supply was far below requirements. Even the Australasian, South American, and South African exportable surpluses, aggregating 1,2-10,000 tons, would barely suffice to meet the needs of Britain. The general aspect of the meat situation was full of menace, and was mn<je more menacing by tho American Trust's control of a'large part of the world's supply. Russia, whose production has been immensely reduced, consumed ten million tons of meat before Hie war, of which over a quarter of a million tons was imported. The official calculation of Europe's re?uiremonts does not include Russia, nquiries disclose that London meat traders differ as to whether the removal of official control will be an advantage. As regards overseas meat, some fear a scarcity of snipping. Others vigorously demand tho abolition of control, with a view to restoring stability and increasing the profits. The trade declares that the Government is doling out supplies, has bungled distribution, and held up vast miantities of good Australian meat until it has deteriorated, in order to create prices and conditions favourable to English and Scottish growers. It is admitted that the removal of the .control will throw into the market great quantities and cause a temporary slump: but it is claimed that this will not nffect tho Australian grower, whose profit is already fixed.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.