HC Deb 30 October 1918 vol 110 cc1465-6
80. Sir C. HENRY

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state whether any arrangements have been made or will be made to compensate cottagers who were induced to buy young pigs for rearing and who in many instances are now obliged to abandon them on account of the necessary food not being forthcoming?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir R. Winfrey)

No undertaking has been given that supplies of concentrated feeding-stuffs would continue to be available for pigs. The Board's encouragement of pig-keeping was confined to urging the fullest utilisation of waste, green food, and other materials which do not involve a draft upon the limited supplies of imported foods. I cannot agree with the hon. Baronet that any question of compensation for pig owners really arises.

Sir C. HENRY

Has the hon. Gentleman not stated that these cottagers can rear these pigs without some form of concentrated pig-food, irrespective of refuse?

Sir R. WINFREY

Yes; I think it is quite possible. I am doing it myself.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Did not the hon. Gentleman invite cottagers to rear pigs, and will he not now provide food to keep the pigs?