HC Deb 23 March 1944 vol 398 c1040
52. Captain Duncan

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking or has taken to prevent the slaughter for food of well-bred young stock, particularly calves and heifers, in view of the needs of this country and Europe after the war for breeding stock.

Mr. Hudson

The increased slaughter of calves during recent months is mainly confined to beef animals. In view of the anticipated shortage of meat in the years immediately after the end of hostilities with Germany, farmers have been and are being urged to rear wherever practicable more steer calves for beef production.

Captain Duncan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that farmers have stated that they are slaughtering their calves because they have not enough feeding stuffs, and will he do all he can to afford them sufficient feeding stuffs for the feeding of such cattle?