HC Deb 06 November 1918 vol 110 cc2095-7
Colonel WEIGALL (by Private Notice)

asked the Food Controller whether all Lincolnshire markets are to be closed against the sale of grading sheep and cattle; whether the action is contrary to the advice of local Commissioners, and whether there has been any resignation in consequence?

Mr. CLYNES

I was advised by a special committee appointed by the Central Agricultural Advisory Council that, in order to deal with the present heavy surplus of cattle from the grazing districts, supplies should first be taken from such districts, and that the markets should be closed for local supplies in arable districts. I have consented to this arrangement which in volves the closing of fat stock markets to local supplies in Lincolnshire, with the exception of Spalding and possibly one or two other places, as from to-day for a brief period, and meanwhile the markets in the closed area will be supplied from the adjacent grazing counties. The answer to the two last parts of the question is in the negative.

Colonel WEIGALL

May I ask my right hon. Friend, for the information of the agriculturists in Lincolnshire, how he proposes that these cattle are to be kept alive? Grass is over, and in some cases there is no accommodation. How are feeding-stuffs to be provided where there is accommodation? May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in conjunction with the Board of Agriculture, he will now ask the Priority Committee if further feeding-stuffs can be imported in order to keep these cattle alive?

Mr. CLYNES

As to the last part of the question, we are doing everything that we can to increase the quantity of feeding-stuffs. As to the first part of the question, I am quite satisfied that less loss will be incurred by the arrangement which has been made. We made that arrangement on the strength of the advice of the Advisory Council referred to.

Mr. HARRIS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider as an alternative the question of increasing the meat ration before Christmas, so as to absorb the surplus that is available?

Mr. CLYNES

That matter did not escape our attention, but finally we reached the conclusion that it was better to take a little now than to be absolutely without in the early part of next year.

Mr. CRUMLEY

Why does the right hon. Gentleman preclude Irish cattle that have been fattened during the grass season from being shipped to Great Britain, seeing that there are no means of keeping them in condition from this month onwards, and that in four or five months' time, under the present Regulations, they will be nothing but stores and springers?

Mr. CLYNES

We are not in this matter in any way prejudicing the position of Irish cattle supplies, because we are treating both countries alike. It is an action which ought to receive no opposition from the Irish Benches, because, as my right hon. Friend knows, I have discussed this matter at length with representatives from Ireland and an arrangement, which I concluded was satisfactory, was come to.

Mr. SHEEHY

Are you not wasting the meat that the cattle have on them now?

Mr. CLYNES

I must say that in the arrangements which we have made I am satisfied that there will be a greater saving.

Mr. DIXON

Is not the trouble due to the fact that after the disastrous experience you had last year yon have done nothing to increase the feeding-stuffs, and this stock is being wasted?

Mr. CLYNES

I would reply that it is simply due to the War.