§ 75. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the present cow population of London; whether several thousands of cows, with their second calf only, after being housed in Metropolitan stables for a few months, are slaughtered annually for butcher's meat; and whether, in view of the steady decrease in the supply of homegrown beef, he is taking or proposes to take any steps to prevent the premature destruction of such animals?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe number of cows and heifers in milk or in calf in the county of London was returned as 2,743 on 4th June last. I am informed that the practice to which the hon. Member refers in the second part of the question is not uncommon, but no statistical information is available as to the extent to which it prevails. The Board have no power to [...] the discontinuance of the practice, but I would refer him to the reply which I gave to him on 12th ultimo as to the steps taken to direct public attention to the importance of rearing sufficient heifer calves in order to meet the increasing demand for milch cows,
§ 77. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that for the last three weeks Belgian dealers have been purchasing a considerable number of old and often emaciated cows in Smithfield market; if he can say for what purposes this new trade in inferior British stock has been initiated; and, if for consumption as beef, whether any restrictions are or can be imposed upon the sale of such of these animals as are visibly tuberculous?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. Member will be good enough to communicate to me the information on which the statement in the first part of the question is based, I will have inquiry made. At present the Board have no information as to the trade to which he refers.