§ 59. Mr. Sloanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that sheep graded at Kilmarnock, on 24th March, averaged 32 lb., and that if they had been allowed to graze till June would have made 50 lb.; and, in view of the adverse comments made by Ayrshire agricultural experts regarding this waste of potential food, what steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe average weight of the 159 sheep graded at Kilmarnock on 24th March, as estimated by the certifying authority, was 44 lb., not 32 lb. There was one lot of 22 small crossbred animals estimated at 32 lb. per head. I am informed that it is most unlikely that these animals could have grown to 50 lb. by June, but in any case, in view of the necessity for the reduction in the number of livestock, it is not the policy of the Ministry to refuse acceptance at present of any animals offered to it other than pregnant cattle and sheep.