asked the Minister of Food why Argentine meat cannot be imported chilled instead of frozen, in view of the fact that this would improve its quality, and that there are refrigerator ships to spare.

To maintain a reasonably level ration we must store imported meat for issue when home-killed supplies are low. Chilled meat cannot be stored in this way.

What is the total tonnage of the 13 ocean-going liners which are being used as floating refrigerators; what is the cost of maintaining them; how long have they been kept like it; and why is this extravagant, costly and crazy policy proceeding?

That is an entirely different question.

Can the right hon. Lady say whether the freezing of Argentine beef is in fact the main cause of the complaint about its quality to which her own meat controller referred the other day?

No, Sir, but, of course, freezing does not improve the quality. It is not the main cause, but it does not improve the quality.

As the reply is so unsatisfactory, I will take any opportunity I find to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Minister of Food what proportion of the Argentine beef imported is cow.

About seven per cent. over the year.

Will the right hon. Lady say whether the Ministry of Food imported this tough meat in order to impress on the British public that they are literally eating the Argentine rails?