§ 52. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now consider introducing a scheme under which feedingstuffs for pigs are allocated in proportion to the amount of pig-meat supplied to slaughter-houses or bacon factories, rather than on the present basis of the number of pigs kept in 1939 or 1940.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsUntil; there has been a substantial increase in supplies of feeding-stuffs, any departure from the present rationing scheme would lead to serious difficulties and cause hardship to existing producers.
Lieut.-Colonel Bromley DavenportWhat safeguard is there for ensuring that all pigs fed under the present system of rationing reach the consumer?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe hon. and gallant Member might put that question to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.
§ Mr. ButcherWill the Minister bear in mind that the present allocation of feedingstuffs to pigs prevents the pigs from being distributed amongst many farms and so acting as scavengers, thus using waste feedingstuffs which could be turned into pig meat?
§ Mr. WilliamsNo, Sir, I do not accept that suggestion at all.
§ 53. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he proposes to take to ensure that an adequate amount of feedingstuffs at controlled prices will be available to those members of the public who keep a few hens, but are not classed as registered poultry keepers.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsMembers of the public who keep a few hens, can obtain feedingstuffs at controlled prices in sufficient quantity to balance the kitchen waste from a normal household. The allowance is 4 lb. of meal per month for each shell egg registration surrendered up to a maximum of 25.