§ 34. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Food the reason for the increased national pig population of 50 per cent. between 1949 and the end of 1951 compared with a decline of backyard pig slaughtering of 50 per cent. between 1949 and 1951; and what steps he is taking to restore parity and equity to backyard pigs.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe first part of the Question is a matter for my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Agriculture.
Regarding the second part, many small producers now sell their pigs to the Ministry instead of getting slaughtering licences for home consumption, but I shall be happy to consider any suggestion my hon. Friend can let me have to give them further encouragement.
§ Mr. NabarroIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that some weeks ago he said that he was considering the restrictions and controls operated by his Department which affected the slaughter of backyard pigs? Can he now say whether he can lighten these controls and encourage these small producers?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think my hon. Friend will remember that I also said that the governing factor in this question was the supply of feedingstuffs. Very much greater supplies of feedingstuffs will be needed before we can do what my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mr. J. PatonWhat restores parity and equity to backyard pigs?