§ 72. Sir J. SPEARasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he has received an appeal from the Tavistock branch of the Devon Farmers' Union, asking that the coupon restrictions on the sale of rabbits might be revoked, in view of the fact that large quantities of this useful food were being destroyed in consequence of the restricted sales; and will he, in order to prevent this waste of food, suspend the operation of these coupons during the summer months?
§ Mr. PRATT (Lord of the Treasury)I have received this resolution from my hon. Friend. It is the first suggestion I have heard that the supply of rabbits has anywhere exceeded the demand. The requirements of industrial areas absorb a considerable number of imported rabbits against coupons in addition to the home supply, and any farmer who has a difficulty in disposing of rabbits which he has shot on his farm should get into touch with the market superintendent of some large consuming centre. In this respect assistance will willingly be given. It is, moreover, in contemplation to raise the coupon value of rabbits and to enable gifts of rabbits from the killer to be consumed ration free.