HC Deb 18 March 1940 vol 358 cc1625-6
29. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken in the neighbourhood of Lincoln City to call the attention of farmers to the advisability of using waste products suitable for feeding pigs and poultry and manures which can be obtained from city waste; and whether he will further state what steps are being taken to point out to the farmers that they should make use of these substances when ordinary feeding-stuffs are not available?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The attention of farmers generally has been drawn to the use of waste foodstuffs for stock feeding through the normal means of publicity, including a leaflet on pig keeping in wartime which has been widely distributed. As explained in reply to my hon. Friend on Thursday last, I have asked the county war agricultural executive committees to co-operate with local authorities in the disposal of waste foodstuffs from their areas. A leaflet on the use of urban waste materials for fertilising purposes is in preparation, and will, I hope, be ready shortly.

Mr. R. C. Morrison

When will the Department make a serious effort to organise the distribution of this waste feeding-stuff instead of sending a circular letter? It requires more than that.

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

It requires the education of the farmers in the use of this particular food, which they have not been accustomed to using before, and we are trying to create a demand by educating them.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

May I ask whether my right hon. and gallant Friend is satisfied about the position around Lincoln in regard to feeding-stuffs? Farmers are saying that they have not enough feeding-stuffs, and the borough council are not doing anything because they say there is no demand.

Mr. Liddall

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that every farmer around the city of Lincoln appreciates the value of the waste feeding-stuffs and will be only too glad to avail himself of every ounce of the feeding-stuff when transport facilities are available?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Yes, Sir, I think that is the case. I would also like to warn the House that we have to take some care in regard to these waste products, because animal diseases can easily come about.