HC Deb 28 December 1919 vol 123 cc1249-50
29. Major HOWARD

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that during the fifty weeks ending 10th December last there has been in the markets about 80,000 fat cattle, 800,000 fat sheep, and 250,000 fat pigs less than during the corresponding period before control was established; and what steps he intends to take to remedy this situation which causes heavy foreign buying to the detriment of our exchange?

Mr. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)

Before the institution of control many animals were sold privately on farms, and there were no comprehensive records as to the animals coming forward for slaughter in any given period. There has, no doubt, been a certain reduction in the numbers of pigs and sheep in the market, but, in view of the grave difficulties of a prolonged period of war, the Food Controller is satisfied that the decrease in the home supply of cattle, sheep and pigs is much less than might have reasonably been expected.

Major HOWARD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if they went to the butchers straight from the farms the difference would be much greater than that stated in the question, and that, therefore, the reduction of fat stuff is much greater than stated in the question?

Mr. PARKER

I will inform my hon. Friend of what the hon. Member said.

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