HC Deb 04 March 1918 vol 103 c1694
Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is in a position to state definitely whether the prices will or will not be fixed for store cattle; and, if so, when an Order will be issued in order to enable farmers to know where they stand?

Mr. PARKER

I have been asked to reply. Acting upon the advice of the Board of Agriculture and of a Subcommittee of the Central Advisory Committee on Live Stock and Meat Supplies, Lord Rhondda has decided not to fix maximum prices for store cattle. Since the basis of maximum prices for fat cattle will not be altered during the current year, it is felt that there will be no inducement to farmers to pay inflated prices for stores. I may, however, point out that any inflation of the prices of store cattle which may hereafter take place will not be considered a valid reason for an increase in maximum prices for fat cattle.