§ 8. Sir John Mellorasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that on 16th May an old age pensioner, a member of the Balsall Common Pigkeepers' Club, sold to his Department a pig weighing over 11 score, but was only paid for 6 score 19 lb.; that the auctioneers in charge of the Hampton-in-Arden Collecting Centre agreed that this was a mistake and referred the claim to the area livestock officer; and why no redress was offered for over two months.
§ Mr. StracheyAn additional payment was made on 20th July on the basis that this pig weighed over 11 score deadweight. I am making further inquiries on the reasons for the error in the identification of this pig and also for the regrettable delay in settling the claim for payment.
§ Sir J. MellorIs not the Minister aware that I gave notice of this Question some days ago, but yet he has not been able to give information about the unconscionable time which has elapsed?
§ Mr. StracheyWe have corrected the matter, but unfortunately I cannot tell the hon. Member whose responsibility it was that it took such a long time to correct the error. Perhaps I can write to him.