HC Deb 01 May 1941 vol 371 cc564-5
56. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that some poulterers are seeking to evade the regulations of his Ministry by selling poultry alive, and thus avoiding the price limitation which is, presumably, based on weight; and what steps are being taken to prevent this evasion?

Major Lloyd George

The fact that some poultry is being sold alive does not necessarily mean that such transactions are evasions of the Poultry (Maximum Prices) Order. In the case of a sale of live poultry, it is provided that the maximum prices applicable under the Order shall be calculated on a weight ten per cent, less than the actual live weight of the poultry. The only exception is where live birds are sold or purchased for breeding, laying and rearing, and it is provided in the Order that in such a case the purchaser shall have declared in writing to the seller that the purchase is made for one or other of such purposes.

Sir P. Hurd

Has my hon. Friend no knowledge of any breach of these regulations?

Major Lloyd George

I should like to have notice of that question.