HC Deb 08 December 1947 vol 445 cc782-3
54. Mr. Heathcoat Amory

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to indicate the scale of future pig and poultry rations so that farmers can plan ahead for maximum production.

Mr. T. Williams

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Parkin) on 17th November.

Mr. Amory

Does not the right hon. Gentleman feel that the present arrangement is bad; that it is probable that we are not making the best use of even the present exiguous ration; and would it not be worth while thinking this matter out again to see whether he could find a better basis than the 1939 position?

Mr. Williams

If the hon. Member has any constructive suggestions to make, I shall be very ready to receive them.

Mr. Drayson

Is the Minister aware that his call to farmers to increase their pig stock has caused a great deal of confusion; and will he reconsider the position of tying the ration to the holding?

Mr. Williams

There is another Question on that subject on the Order Paper.