HC Deb 28 February 1918 vol 103 cc1532-3
34. Mr. CAUTLEY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a person who lives in a town and occupies a farm in the country, which he farms himself, can bring from his farm to his house in the town for his own household's consumption a home-killed fowl, a home-cured piece of bacon, home-made jam, and home-churned butter, or any and which of them, without fear of prosecution?

Mr. CLYNES

Yes, Sir.

Mr. WATT

Does the same apply to mutton from the country?

Mr. CLYNES

That will depend upon the mutton.

Mr. BILLING

Does it apply to a syndicated farm? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it would be quite a simple thing for farmers to let out £l shares to everybody on their farms, and thus keep everyone supplied?

Mr. CLYNES

There is no reference to syndicated farms in this question.

Mr. BILLING

It refers to a farm owner. Must he be the sole owner or does it refer to any shareholder?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

Major HUNT

Can the hon. Gentleman say—it is a matter of some importance— whether, if a man buys a live pig and fattens it, he is allowed to eat the whole pig himself? Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will make it quite clear.

Mr. CLYNES

In spite of the many lessons which hon. Members have afforded me, my education on the pig problem is still incomplete, and I desire notice of that question.