HC Deb 03 June 1946 vol 423 cc1612-3
56. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now state the probable rations of concentrated feeding stuffs that will be provided for dairy cows and other classes of livestock next winter.

Mr. T. Williams

Economies in the consumption of wheat and flour in the United Kingdom, the diversion of barley and maize for human consumption in famine-threatened countries, and the loss of Indian supplies of oilseeds, will reduce substantially supplies of rationed feeding stuffs during the next 12 months. On the best estimates we can make it is now clear that it will be impossible to maintain next winter the ration scales that were in operation in the past winter. The deficit between estimated supplies and requirements at present rates in sufficiently large to involve appreciable reductions in rations for all classes of stock, including dairy cows and domestic pigs and poultry, which have hitherto been unaffected by the world-wide shortage of supplies. Details of the new ration scales for the next winter rationing period are being finally worked out and will be announced at a very early date.

Mr. Hurd

Will the Minister take every possible step to get this announcement across to the farmers in good time?

Mr. Williams

Certainly, Sir.

Earl Winterton

Have there been the ordinary discussions with the National Farmers' Union, the Poultry Breeders' Association and other bodies representing the industry, or has the Minister decided this matter without consultation?

Mr. Williams

Consultations are always taking place between the Department and the 1 various interests. Consultations will take place again before the announcement is made.

Mr. R" S. Hudson

In view of the very serious announcement which the right hon. Gentleman has just made, can he tell the House what sort of drop in production is likely to ensue, and in particular the drop in milk production?

Mr. Williams

I should have to be a Solomon to make a prophecy of that description. I fear it might be sizeable, but I hope it will not be nearly as bad as other cuts have been in the past.

Mr. Hudson

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us how it comes about that less than a month ago the late Minister of Food said that there would be no reduction in the milk ration?