§ 47. Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the improved price paid for corn and the lack of encouragement given to the dairy farmer, a large number of important milk producers are selling their herds and going out of production; and does he intend to take any action in the matter?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)Substantial encouragement is being given to dairy farmers both in the matter of milk prices, and in preferential treatment for rations of feeding-stuffs. The culling of poor yielders from the dairy herd is desirable in the national interest in order that the limited supplies of feeding-stuffs may be used to the best advantage. I am not aware, however, that a large number of important milk producers are giving up their herds, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars I shall be happy to have inquiries made.
§ Mr. PriceWill my right hon. Friend reconsider the advisability of encouraging the reduction of herds, in view of the fact that it is possible now to retain existing herds and also to increase the output of human food by an effective method of culling?
§ Mr. HudsonThere is a certain number of animals in herds which are such poor yielders that in the national interest it would be better to slaughter them and have the available foodstuffs spread over the rest. The result of this might well be on balance, not a decrease in milk production, but an increase.