48. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make a statement concerning the future livestock policy of the Government, having special regard to the recent reduction in the supply of available feeding-stuffs; and whether he will now consider some alternative method not based on cutting down prices in order to reduce the number of pigs and sheep on the farms?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)The measures that will be necessary, in addition to the devaluation of the ration coupon, to secure a reduction in the livestock population to accord with the reduced supplies of feeding-stuffs of all kinds, including grazing, are now under consideration. As announced on 1st March, prices of certain classes of fat pigs have already been increased temporarily to facilitate a reduction in numbers.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware that one effect of the Government's policy will be to curtail the pig population, and that a temporary concession is no permanent solution of the hardships we have had to go through as a result of the unjust methods employed?
§ Mr. GranvilleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that farmers are being charged excessive prices for feeding-stuffs because they have insufficient credit to pay cash prices, and will he look into this?
§ Mr. HudsonPerhaps my hon. Friend will let me have particulars.