BEEF AND MUTTON PRICES (Steps to stabilize)

Dr Chau Sik Ting asked the Minister for National Development, as measures taken by his Ministry have kept the price of pork fairly stable, what steps have been or are being taken to stabilize prices of beef and mutton.

Mr Lee Yock Suan (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, the prices of beef and mutton have been stable, with mutton price showing a slight increase in the middle of 1981. This price stability is due to the continued steady supply of beef and mutton from abroad. Unlike pork which is mainly locally produced and subject to wider price fluc- tuations with variation in local supply and demand, practically all our beef and mutton are imported from overseas, mainly from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. We are confident that supplies will be adequate in future as these countries are major exporters and our imports are comparatively small. Nevertheless, my Ministry is seeking other sources of supply so as to further ensure the continued stability in the supply and prices of beef and mutton.