§ 72. Lieut.-Colonel Corbettasked the Minister of Agriculture how many farmers were eligible to apply for the pig and poultry rations offered to them during last August; and how many had in fact availed themselves of this offer.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAll farmers occupying over one acre of agricultural land in Great Britain were eligible to apply for the rations referred to, as an alternative to any pig or poultry rations they are already receiving. Over 73,000 applications were received.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CorbettCan the Minister say what proportion the figure of 73,000 is of the total of those who took this opportunity of having extra rations; and is he aware that a great many farmers missed the opportunity owing to the short time allowed them in which to apply for these extra rations?
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. and gallant Member that county agricultural executive committees are very sympathetic in dealing with these cases.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CorbettWill the Minister grant a further period during which farmers who have missed the opportunity to apply for these rations may do so, as a great number failed to fill in the necessary form in time?
§ Mr. WilliamsI shall have to see exactly how many late comers there are.