30. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the allocation of feeding-stuffs to many corn and cake dealers throughout the country districts for the first 14 days of May was only 22 per cent. of the amount they received in the corresponding period last year; and whether he can give some assurance that this allocation will be improved at the earliest opportunity, and the inequalities of allocation adjusted?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe allocation to the trade of 66 per cent. of their normal supplies of imported cereal feeding-stuffs was, in the month of May, made in two instal- 841 ments, namely, 32 per cent. in the first half of the month and 34 per cent. in the second half. So far as I am aware, there have been no inequalities of allocation, but if my hon. Friend will let me have particulars of any case he has in mind I will have inquiries made.
Mr. De la BèreWill the hon. Gentleman endeavour to strengthen this machinery in order that a greater quantity of foodstuffs may be available?
§ Mr. BoothbyYes, Sir. We shall do all we can, but I shall have to have a word with my hon. Friend afterwards.
§ 31. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what regulations are in force limiting the provision of feeding-stuffs for racing greyhounds?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe provision of feeding-stuffs for dogs, including racing greyhounds, is limited under the Milled Wheaten Substances (Restrictions) Order, 1940. The Order prohibits the use of milled wheaten substances for purposes other than human food, except under licence. Manufacturers of dog biscuits may, for the present, obtain licences to manufacture up to two-thirds of the quantities used in the corresponding period in 1939.
§ Mr. HallIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many of these racing greyhounds are fed upon brown bread, whole meal, eggs, fresh meat, brandy and many other things, amounting to many hundreds of tons per year; and does he not think it is grossly unfair that foodstuffs should be wasted in that way while poultry keepers, for example in my own division, cannot get supplies?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe general question of the continuance of dog-racing does not, of course, come under my Department. It is a matter for the Government, but the hon. Member may rest assured that if it is found necessary further to restrict the use of such feeding-stuffs we shall not hesitate to take action.
§ Mr. HallIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that this racing is going on and that further tracks are being opened?