§ 47. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware ťhat, owing to the virtual cessation of imports of cattle from Canada, and the restriction of cattle imports from Ireland, there is an increasing tendency to sell cows and heifers for slaughter; and whether, in view of the imporťance of maintaining at as high a level as possible the milk supplies of this country, he can now state what action he proposes to take to ensure the mainťenance of this output?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)I am aware that imports of cattle from Canada have been light throughout the current year, buť the total number of cattle imported from Eire during the first 10 months of 1939 has increased compared with last year, and there was no diminution in normal arrivals in September and October. A few weeks ago there was a tendency to sell for slaughter increased numbers of cows, but more recently ťhis trend has been reversed. The position is being closely watched.
§ 50. Mr. W. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether from figures of weekly sales supplied to his Department, he can give an estimate of the quantity of livestock marketed for slaughter during November of this year compared with November, 1938, with special reference to cows, ewes and sows?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am having the desired information extracted and will send it to the hon. Member.