57. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the increased shortage of animal manure on many farms owing to the recent slaughtering of livestock through lack of feeding-stuffs, he is taking steps to ensure increased production of chemical manure as an alternative to maintain the fertility of the soil?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI do not accept the implication of the first part of my hon. Friend's Question, but the answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.
Mr. De la BèreSurely, my right hon. and gallant Friend must have realised that he cannot annihilate the real truth by not accepting it? Is it not a fact that these animals have been slaughtered, and that adequate livestock is the absolute key to successful agriculture?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI am afraid I cannot always accept my hon. Friend's sweeping statements.
§ Mr. J. MorganIs it not a fact that the pig population is falling?