§ 61. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture why, in view of the necessity to strengthen our defences and bring them up to date, he continues to issue feeding-stuffs for pigs and poultry on the 1939 basis.
Mr. T. WilliamsRevised arrangements for the rationing of feedingstuffs for pigs and poultry were introduced in 1948 in order to permit new producers of these classes of stock to be able to make a start and also to encourage deliveries of fat pigs and eggs to bacon factories and packing stations respectively. It would, however, have caused serious hardship to many old-established producers as well as interruption of production if the 1939 basis had not been concurrently continued for those for whom it is the more favourable.
§ Mr. CrouchIs not the Minister aware that there are large numbers of new entrants to the industry, particularly disabled ex-Service men who find it impossible to start keeping pigs and poultry and that if they were allowed to do so they would make a considerable contribution towards our food supplies at present?