§ 51. Captain P. Macdonaldasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the anxiety caused to domestic poultry keepers by the recently announced scheme for rationing, he can make a clear statement to the effect that there will be no necessity for every family to reduce their flocks down to only one hen per head; and that it will still be open to anybody to keep more hens if they can provide sufficient scraps and vegetable produce to maintain them?
Mr. HudsonThe limitation is in respect of feeding stuffs rations and not in respect of the numbers of hens that may be kept. As my hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware, steps have now been taken, by the distribution of leaflets through local food offices, to remove doubts or misunderstandings respecting the new arrangements.
§ Captain MacdonaldWhy should there be so much ambiguity about all statements coming from the right hon. Gentleman's Department, which cause confusion in the minds of the public, and necessitate the issuing of thousands of pamphlets to clarify a position that need never have arisen?
Mr. HudsonI am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of the new "Quiz" which has been circulated.
§ Captain MacdonaldAnd I will tell my hon. Friend what I have made of it.
§ Mr. MathersWould it not be better, instead of distributing leaflets, to divert some of the grain being used at the present time for the manufacture of beer?