§ 38. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture on what grounds he has decided to give preference in feeding-stuff supplies to cattle and sheep before pigs 752 and poultry; whether the decision is connected with the greater economy in consumption of imported feeding-stuffs in the case of the former over the latter; and if he can give any figures in support of the case?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThe grounds on which the Government decided to give preference in feeding-stuffs supplies to cattle and sheep before pigs and poultry were set out in the announcement made by my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture and the Secretary of State for Scotland on 22nd November, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member. He will observe that the consideration to which he refers in the Question is not among the main factors on which the Government's decision was based. The last part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.