HC Deb 22 August 1940 vol 364 c1462
58. Mr. Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in his instructions to county agricultural war executives, he will make it plain that the new ploughing-up campaign is not for the present, at least, to interfere with the maintenance of the dairy herds of the country, so that there may be a proper balance between arable crops for human and animal consumption?

Mr. Hudson

The need to secure the maintenance of dairy herds is fully recognised. For this purpose it will be necessary for dairy farmers to grow feeding-stuffs to maintain the herds in winter as well as grass for the summer grazing and hay. Due weight will be given to the production of crops suitable for feeding to dairy cows.

Mr. Price

Does the Minister, through the war agricultural committees, retain the right to decrease dairy herds in some districts and increase them in others, where conditions are more suitable?

Mr. Hudson

That is largely a matter for the discretion of the local war agricultural committees, having regard to the aptitude of a particular farm for ploughing-up purposes.

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