HC Deb 18 February 1918 vol 103 cc438-9
21. Mr. ROBERT HARCOURT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the disquiet aroused by the announcement as to the limitation of poultry food; whether the Board will take further practical steps by the formation of local committees or other wise to make an immediate census of existing poultry with a view to weeding out unproductive stock; whether, if such stock is killed off at once, there is a reasonable prospect that a good number of pure-bred sittings can be hatched in March for egg production only; and whether State assistance and advice will be given?

Sir R. WINFREY

Such a scheme as my hon. Friend suggests would not be practicable, for the reason that poultry keepers are themselves the best judges of their business, and must be allowed to know when is the best time to market their birds. They also know to what extent they can manage to feed their existing stocks without the supplies of grain feeding-stuffs on which they have been accustomed to rely. The Board have warned them of the present and prospective shortage of purchasable feeding-stuffs, and a scheme is now under consideration by the Ministry of Food and the Board for distributing the limited supplies among owners of the best utility stocks of poultry in the country. The Board, through the Poultry Advisory Committee, are giving poultry keepers whatever assistance and advice are possible.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Have not the various instructions which have been issued from the hon. Gentleman's and other Departments on this question been of an extremely contradictory character—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice.

35. Mr. CROOKS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, in consequence of the difficulty in obtaining food for poultry, working-class families are killing off their stocks; and whether, in view of the economic effect of this, any arrangements can be made whereby those keeping poultry may be able to obtain the necessary food?

Mr. PARKER

I am aware of the general scarcity of cereals for poultry food. It is, however, hoped that sufficient supplies will be available to enable hen birds hatched since 1st January, 1916, to receive a ration of dry food not exceeding 1 oz. a day.