50. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as a result of the 1557 recent announcement of the curtailment of the feeding-stuffs ration for pigs, inevitably resulting in the pig breeders throughout the country being unable to retain their stocks to the right weight and maturity, he will make some provision by which those who are unable to do so can dispose of their immature pigs without having to undergo the loss sustained by having to realise at knock out prices.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI recognise that the reduction from 1st May in feeding-stuffs rations for pigs will in some instances necessitate the slaughter of pigs at lighter weights than the owner had intended. Pig keepers will, however, have had three months in which to adjust their operations before this change. The question whether any adjustment of the price schedule for fat pigs should be made to lake account of this factor is one to be considered during the annual review of agricultural prices that is now in progress.
Mr. De la BèreIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that three months is really not a very long time in which to make an adjustment, and that many of these fanners have for some time been going on the word of the Minister of Agriculture? Unfortunately, he did not let them know in time to do anything about it. It is a very serious position.
§ Mr. WilliamsI should have liked to have given six months' notice myself, but it was not possible.
Mr. De la BèreDoes not that show how very bad the co-operation and co-ordination of the Government are? It is a shocking shame.