Calves (Hansard, 2 May 1951)

§ 52. Mr. Hurd
asked the Minister of Food if he has now decided to encourage farmers to retain more calves this summer for veal production.

§ Mr. F. Willey
My right hon. Friend hopes to announce a decision shortly.

§ Mr. Hurd
How shortly will that be? Calves are being slaughtered day by day. They should be carried to make veal.

§ Mr. Willey
As the hon. Member realises, this is not an easy matter. We are doing our best to expedite an early decision.

§ Mr. Hurd
It is taking a very long time.

§ Mr. Joynson-Hicks
Can the Parliamentary Secretary be more specific on the question of time? How can farmers carry out the policy the Government wants them to carry out, if they are not told what it is?

§ Mr. Willey
This is a matter about which there have to be discussions, and I do not wish to make a unilateral statement about it.

§ Mr. R. A. Butler
Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the Government are making a handsome profit out of this transaction and that the sooner a decision is reached the better?