1.
GV CATTLE GRAZING IN FIELDS (2 SHOTS)
0.11

2.
TV CATTLE IN PENS
0.19

3.
MV CATTLE (2 SHOTS)
0.28

4.
TV CATTLE PENS PAN TO EMPTY PENS
0.31

5.
GV "ARMOUR" MEAT PACKING PLANT
0.35

6.
GV "CAP" MEAT PACKING PLANT
0.37

7.
GV EMPTY MARKET STALLS
0.44

8.
MV BUTCHER'S SHOP, NO MEAT ON SALE
0.53

9.
MV MAN AT COUNTER TELLS CUSTOMER "THERE IS NO MEAT"
0.59

10.
CU SIGN IN SHOP: "NO MEAT TODAY"
1.02

11.
SV SUPERMARKET
1.11

12.
MV INSIDE INTERIOR EMPTY MEAT COUNTER
1.18

13.
MV MAN CLEANS EMPTY MEAT SAFES
1.29

14.
MV PEOPLE BUYING FIST (2 SHOTS)
1.40

15.
GV EXT CLOSED RESTAURANT
1.49

16.
GV ANOTHER DITTO
1.57

17.
SV INT ARGENTINEAN FAMILY SITTING AT DINNER
2.03

18.
CU PLATE SHOWING LITTLE MEAT
2.07



Initials JNT/S/CR/BB



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A WIDESPREAD BEEF SHORTAGE IN BUENOS AIRES LAST WEEK (WEDNESDAY) MARKED THE FIRST DAY OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT DECREED CEILING PRICES.

ALTHOUGH PEOPLE PAID LESS FOR THEIR BEEF THEY WERE ALSO FORCED TO BUY LESS. MARKETS AND RESTAURANTS WERE AGAIN ABLE TO SELL BEEF DISHES (ON WEDNESDAY) AFTER THE TWO DAYS OF RATIONING, ORDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE MORE MEAT AVAILABLE FOR EXPORT.

(UNOFFICIAL SOURCES PLACE THE CATTLE POPULATION OF THE ARGENTINE AT 20 MILLION COMPARED WITH 40 MILLION IN THIS TRADITIONAL BEEF EXPORTING NATION IN 1943).

THERE HAVE BEEN WIDESPREAD MOVES IN THE INDUSTRY TO COMBAT THE CONTROVERSIAL GOVERNMENT DECREES WHICH IMPOSE PRICE CONTROLS AND A FORM OF RATIONING OF BEEF. STOCKMEN, TRADERS, AUCTIONEERS AND BUTCHERS HAVE FORMED A UNITED FRONT TO FIGHT THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ISSUE.

THE GOVERNMENT DECREE IS AS FOLLOWS :-
FIXING OF CEILING PRICES FOR CARCASSES; PRICE-FIXING ALL CUTS FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC; ESTABLISHMENT OF A TAX ON THE SLAUGHTERING OF COWS IN CALF; ANIMALS FOR SLAUGHTER TO WEIGH A MINIMUM OF 200 KILOS (440 LBS); A BAN ON ALL MEAT SALES TO THE PUBLIC ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS; ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL TAX ON MEAT FOR EXPORTS.