HC Deb 26 July 1954 vol 531 c27
49. Mr. Boyle

asked the Minister of Food how many cattle, sheep, lambs and pigs were purchased for slaughter in the week ended 17th July.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Charles Hill)

My Department can provide figures only of animals accepted for guarantee payments. The figures for the week ended 18th July are not yet complete, but the provisional figure of certifications in Great Britain for the week ended 11th July are 36,600 cattle, 148,100 sheep and lambs and 139,000 pigs.

Mr. Boyle

Can the hon. Gentleman say how this compares with the last week of control and purchase by the Ministry?

Dr. Hill

The appropriate week is the corresponding week last year. There is a very substantial increase over that week.