HC Deb 10 April 1940 vol 359 cc569-70
56. Dr. Little

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, owing to the scarcity of mutton and lamb, which is being keenly felt in Northern Ireland at the moment, and the abundance of both in Britain, he will arrange for a time, until the supply becomes normal again, that the requirements of Northern Ireland be met by assigning to it a portion of the available New Zealand mutton and lamb?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I understand that a temporary shortage of mutton has been experienced in Northern Ireland but that ample supplies of other forms of fresh meat have been, and are, available. My Noble Friend has given consideration to my hon. Friend's suggestion that supplies of mutton should be diverted to Northern Ireland, but I feel that such a course would not be justified in war-time, particularly as there is every reason to anticipate that the shortage will be temporary.

Dr. Little

Could my hon. Friend not divert even a small quantity of mutton for a few weeks until the supply comes, because in Northern Ireland we have had practically no mutton for weeks and weeks?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

In war-time, transport is so important that we do not feel that that course could be justified.

Sir William Davison

Is it not a fact that the troops in France are suffering from an undue supply of beef and that they would appreciate a supply of mutton and lamb?

Mr. Logan

Does the Minister not think it possible that Northern Ireland might have a more friendly relationship with Eire in this matter?

Dr. Little

That has nothing to do with mutton.

64. Dr. Little

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the farmers of Northern Ireland are not being furnished with the dead weight of the fat cattle sold by them, he will arrange that the grading of these animals is no longer carried out as at present by a single individual, a veterinary officer, from whose decision there is no appeal, but that, in order to put an end to the prevailing dissatisfaction among cattle raisers in Northern Ireland, this work will be done in future by a panel of three graders, a veterinary officer, a farmer, and an auctioneer, as in Great Britain?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

My hon. Friend's suggestion will be carefully considered.