asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement about meat supplies in the London area arising out of current industrial disputes.

There is a shortage of imported meat as a result of the current industrial disputes, but most butchers have so far been able to obtain enough meat to satisfy consumer requirements, although choice may be restricted and prices higher than usual.

Is it true that, notwithstanding the partial breakdown of distribution in London, considerable supplies of meat have been coming in from all round, through many channels, and is this attributable to the fact that distribution of meat is in the hands of private enterprise rather than under central control?

I think that probably has a great deal to do with it.