HC Deb 03 July 1941 vol 372 c1488
48. Mr. Wilfrid Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture what reduction in beef- cattle he proposes to carry out?

Major Dugdale (Lord Commissioner of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. In view of the shortage of imported feeding-stuffs, and in the interests of efficient production, farmers have been asked to send for slaughter beef-cattle that are unthrifty and of inferior conformation such that they are unlikely to fatten economically. In giving effect to this culling policy, the Government are not aiming at any specific reduction in numbers, but only at the removal of unprofitable beasts. As regards sound cattle, farmers have again been urged to make themselves self-supporting next winter, both by conserving roughages to the fullest possible extent and by a steady process of adjusting their livestock commitments to their known resources. It is not possible to say what effect this process will have on total numbers.

Mr. Roberts

Has the Minister of Agriculture really no figure in mind as to what reduction would be desirable? Does he leave it entirely to the local committees or to the farmers themselves?

Major Dugdale

It is left entirely to the farmers and to the local committees.

Mr. Thorne

What information are you going to give to the general public about the proper distribution of the beef?