HC Deb 08 July 1946 vol 425 cc30-1
64. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Agriculture what general arrangements he has made with U.N.R.R.A. for the purchase of livestock in this country; what is the maximum number of the main types of livestock which U.N.R.R.A. may purchase in this country over the next 12 months; and to which country it is intended that the livestock so purchased shall be licensed to be sent.

Mr. T. Williams

In pursuance of previous arrangements in general terms U.N.R.R.A. was asked early this year for estimates of the numbers and types of livestock which it was desired to purchase in this country during the present year. These estimates were examined by my Department in the light of the general livestock position and U.N.R.R.A. was informed in detail how far we could meet the requests. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the agreed maxima for various classes of stock. As indicated in the answer to the hon. Member's Question to the President of the Board of Trade on 3rd July, the allocation of livestock to the receiving countries rests with U.N.R.R.A. in consultation with the countries concerned.

Mr. Vane

In thanking the Minister for his reply, I should like to say that he is the third Minister who has been asked that question and the first who has been able to answer it.

Major Legge-Bourke

Would the Minister say how this reply fits in with the recent restriction on any export of livestock from this country?

Mr. Williams

I do not remember the restriction referred to.

Following are the particulars:

50 mares and geldings of the vanner type.
500 heavy working horses.
12 Welsh cob stallions all pedigree
30 Suffolk Punch stallions (50 if 2 year olds)
25 Suffolk Punch mares
30 Percheron stallions (50 if 2 year olds)
12 Percheron mares
50 Pedigree British Friesian bulls (100 if non-pedigree, subject to tests for tuberculosis, contagious abortion and trichomoniasis).
25 Pedigree Dairy Shorthorn bulls (100 if non-pedigree, subject to the same tests).
20 South Devon bulls all pedigree.
10 Lincoln Red bulls
50 Kent rams
50 Hampshire Down rams
25 Dorset Horn rams
10 Cheviot rams
4 Black-faced rams
1,000 Hampshire ewes
120 Cheviot ewes
100 Large White boars
100 Essex boars
100 Middle White boars
100 goats (does)
50 goats (bucks)

It has also been agreed with U.N.R.R.A. that these numbers will be reviewed later in the year having regard to the livestock available and the general food situation at that time.