HC Deb 19 April 1951 vol 486 cc2002-3
47. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the present meat shortage, he will extend Regulation 62B so far as it affects pig keeping for a further period of 12 months.

Mr. T. Williams

No, Sir. On 21st June last I gave notice that after June, 1951, Defence Regulation 62B would be replaced by what is now Section 12 of the Allotments Act, 1950, and I see no reason to alter this decision now.

Mr. Turton

Surely, at that time the meat ration was not quite so small as it is at present. Does the Minister realise that unless something is done these council tenants will, after 1st July, be at a grave disadvantage because they will no longer be able to purchase pig meat in order to supplement the meat supply?

Mr. Williams

As I explained on the Report stage of the Act referred to, I did not think that there should be any ban on pig keeping. Indeed I appealed then, and I think that local authorities and private landlords are responding to the appeal, for people to be allowed to keep pigs whenever it is reasonable for them to do so.