HC Deb 19 April 1951 vol 486 c2005
54. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that farmers cannot now buy shot-gun cartridges needed for the destruction of rabbits, wood pigeons and other vermin; and if he will make the necessary arrangements to ensure that cartridges are available for essential purposes.

Mr. T. Williams

Owing to the shortage of non-ferrous metals supplies of shotgun cartridges to retailers have had to be reduced during the last few months. Allocations of these metals to cartridge manufacturers are now being increased and supplies should shortly improve. Provided retailers distribute equitably amongst their customers there is no reason why farmers should not be able to get reasonable supplies of cartridges for shooting pests.

Mr. Hurd

Can we expect that supplies in the shops will be equal to those of last year?

Mr. Williams

I cannot guarantee that but there will be an increase. I hope there will be approximately as many as last year.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Is not the real difficulty the present high price of cartridges? Could not the right hon. Gentleman persuade the Chancellor of the Exchequer to reduce the Purchase Tax on these cartridges?

Mr. Williams

The real explanation is the shortage of non-ferrous metals.