31. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the large number of unborn calves found in the beasts sent for slaughter; and what steps he proposes to take to protect the supply of next winter's potential milk.
§ Mr. WebbThe hon. Member's assumption is far from being correct. The number of these unborn calves is quite 986 insignificant and it would certainly have no appreciable effect on milk supplies. There is a standing instruction to livestock grading panels not to accept for grading and purchase any cow which in their opinion is in calf, unless they are satisfied that its condition is such that it should be slaughtered.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that, unhappily, my assumption is not incorrect? Is he not aware of the figures which support this fact? If this unhappy practice is continued, does he not realise that we shall be heading for milk rationing again and that the Government must accept responsibility for this because of the poor prices which they are paying to the milk producers today?
§ Mr. WebbWe must separate the two things. I do not think that the situation, however serious it was, would have an appreciable effect on the supplies of milk this autumn, but in so far as it is a problem I should be glad to look at it.