§ 51. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is now able to announce a revision of the feedingstuffs rationing scheme for commercial pigs and poultry, so as to allow increased supplies to those farmers who undertake to produce more for the bacon factories and egg-packing stations.
§ Mr. G. BrownAs my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 25th March, an extension of the scope of the rationing scheme to enable rations to be allowed to farmers who are not at present entitled to a basic ration for their pigs and poultry would have first consideration whenever further supplies of feedingstuffs become available. A plan to give effect to this proposal is in an advanced stage of preparation and my right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement on the subject before the Summer Recess. I cannot yet say, however, whether it will also be possible to revise the rationing scheme on the lines proposed by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HurdWill the Minister take into particular account the need for supplying more protein to balance up with the extra corn which farmers are to be able to keep from their own growing?
§ Major Legge-BourkeCan the Parliamentary Secretary give an assurance that these proposals, which are almost ready, have taken into account the amount of feedingstuffs we have to let Eire have under the new trade agreement?