§ 45. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of the total supply of feedingstuffs issued for poultry during the past year was allocated to breeders under the Poultry Stock Improvement Plan, and when he expects to be able to admit new entrants into the plan, in view of the importance of establishing sound breeding stocks as a basis for the general expansion of poultry numbers, which is still required to provide consumers with more fresh eggs from home sources.
The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)Supplementary rations issued to accredited breeders under the Poultry Stock Improvement Plan, as distinct from any ordinary rations to which they may be entitled, amounted to approximately 11½ per cent. of the estimated total issue of rations for all poultry in Great Britain in the year ending 31st March. I hope it may be possible to reopen the scheme for new entrants in about a year's time.