HC Deb 10 January 1918 vol 101 cc278-9
36. Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether a larger number of animals were slaughtered for beef prior to the 1st January last than the corresponding period of 1916; and whether the supplies of home-grown animals for beef are greater or less for the coming four months than for the corresponding period of 1917?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)

I have been asked to reply. An estimate based on over 10,000 returns from slaughter houses in Great Britain indicates that in December, 1917, the number of cattle slaughtered for beef was 9.4 per cent. greater than the number slaughtered in December, 1916. The number of live-stock in the country is estimated to be less than that of a year ago, and consequently supplies of home-fed beef in the next four months equal to those of the same period last year can be forthcoming only at the expense of a further depletion of our livestock.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is there any evidence that farmers are holding up beef animals?

Mr. CLYNES

I understand there was some evidence to that effect at the beginning of this year as the result of the recent Order fixing life prices.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is there now any evidence of it?

Mr. CLYNES

No, I cannot say so at the moment.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

May I ask whether large numbers were slaughtered last December by order of the Government for the supply of the Army, and that this is one cause of the shortage?

Mr. CLYNES

I shall have to receive notice of that.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Was the shortage due to the ridiculous Order given by the Food Controller? May I have an answer?

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member thinks the question of sufficient importance —

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

I do.

Mr. SPEAKER

Then put it down.

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