§ 14. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the number of fat cattle consigned for slaughter to markets and abattoirs, has been in excess of or below the normal since the commencement of the subsidy period?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe number of fat cattle entered at the 40 markets reported by the Ministry since the commencement of the subsidy period has been in excess of the entries in the corresponding periods for the last three years. It is probable, however, that the total entries since the beginning of September last have been increased by the appearance in the markets of animals previously sold privately. As regards abattoirs, the number of fat cattle slaughtered at National Mark beef grading centres, the only abattoirs for which figures are readily available during the three months September to November, 802 1934, showed an increase of 4 per cent. as compared with the same period for the previous three years.
§ Captain HEILGERSDoes that not show that too many immature beasts are being certified at the markets and abattoirs?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI should hesitate to discuss that matter by question and answer.