asked the Minister or Food the comparative prices of fresh beet supplied from Eire and chilled beef from the Argentine; and if he will consider the removal of any existing penalties which prejudice the increased import of fresh beef and mutton from Eire.

The price now being paid to Eire for first quality beef is 1s. 0¼d. per 1b. delivered to this country. The price for first quality Argentine bone-in beef is 6⅛d. per 1b. f.o.b. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to my statement in the House on 1st July that new negotiations with Eire were soon to be initiated. It must not be inferred from this, however, that I accept the suggestion that there are any existing penalties which prejudice the increased import of fresh beef and mutton from Eire