HC Deb 20 February 1941 vol 369 c289
55. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the committee which is rationing animal foodstuffs in the Petworth area of Sussex has issued to farmers a document, not indicating its source of origin, enclosing coupons to purchase feeding-stuffs but giving no guarantee that food will be available in exchange for them, and warning the farmers that unless they plough additional grassland and make their farms self-supporting, they may well have to slaughter their cattle next winter; and whether this action has been taken with his approval?

Mr. Hudson

Coupons entitling the recipient to purchase certain kinds of feeding-stuffs have been distributed by county war agricultural executive committees, and the coupons were accompanied by a letter of explanation. I am not aware that this explanatory letter, as sent out by the West Sussex committee, was of the kind suggested by my lion. Friend. Perhaps he will be good enough to send me a copy.

Sir H. Williams

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is not a letter, but a printed card, finishing up with the words, "You have been warned"?

Mr. Hudson

I see nothing inherently-wrong in that. If my hon. Friend will send me a copy of the document, I will look at it.

Sir H. Williams

Is it not desirable that communications of this kind should bear an indication of their origin, with an address and signature?

Mr. Hudson

That depends on whether it was sent out by the committee.