HC Deb 29 March 1945 vol 409 c1533
49. Mr. De la Bģre

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to increasing food supplies, he will give encouragement to home producers to market fat cattle at smaller weights; and whether he will endeavour to avoid fluctuation in the price of fat cattle throughout the year.

Mr. Hudson

Encouragement has been given for some time, through the operation of the existing price scales, to the marketing of fat cattle at weights most suitable for the highest production of home produced meat consistent with good quality. The answer to the second part is No, Sir.

Mr. De la Bģre

But does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the fluctuations are very bad and farmers really do not know where they stand?

Mr. Hudson

On the contrary, they are very good, and they are made in agreement with the National Farmers Union.