In order to assist in the specification of the demand function for Australian meats a sample of housewives was interviewed in an attempt to ascertain how the financial position of a household influences its meat consumption pattern. The three most interesting findings are indicated below. (a) Except for a small proportion of low income households, financial considerations do not play a significant part in determining the quantity of meat purchased but do influence the meat types and cuts that are selected to satisfy the required quantity. (b) It is the "permanent" or "normal" income level of the household which is the dominant financial component influencing its expenditure on meats. (c) It appears that a desire for diet variation, together with the relative prices of the cuts within the various meat types, are the two main factors determining the particular meat consumption patterns followed by households.