Calf Subsidy (Hansard, 17 June 1954)

§ 30. Mr. Stokes
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the benefit from the calf subsidy has now passed to the breeders who have put the price of bull calves up by a sum approximating to the subsidy, and, in view of this fact, if he is satisfied that this subsidy ought to be continued.

§ Sir T. Dugdale
It is not possible to say what proportion of the subsidy goes to breeders and what to rearers. The subsidy was introduced to encourage both the breeding and the rearing of more calves suitable for beef production. I am satisfied that it is having a good effect and should be continued.

§ Mr. Stokes
I know that. I must disclose my interest, as I have been busy tearing bull calves; but does the Minister really believe that the breeder has any influence on whether the calf is a bull or a heifer? It has nothing whatever to do with the breeder. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that day-old bull calves, with which the breeder had nothing whatever to do in producing and nothing whatever to do in rearing, have now doubled in price? Is he aware that, in consequence, those who, like myself, set about looking after the poor animals, are being driven out of the market?

§ Sir T. Dugdale
The subsidy has a very desirable effect and no doubt the right hon. Gentleman's bulls are contributing to that. This year we have over 530,000 steer calves under a year old, compared with 415,000 two years ago.

§ Mr. Stokes
Will the right hon. Gentleman seriously answer my question? Why does he allow the breeder of the day-old bull, which the breeder did not really 2265 help to produce very materially and did nothing to keep in sustenance, to collar the subsidy? He is aware that that is what is happening?

§ Sir T. Dugdale
He has to keep it for eight months before he gets the subsidy.

§ Mr. Stokes
No, that is done inside the cow.

§ Mr. Baldwin
Is my right hon. Friend aware that the suggestion which is contained in the Question, that breeders of calves can dictate prices, is not correct? Is he aware that calves are sold on the open market and that the breeders of calves are in a position entirely different from that of manufacturers of implements, who can retain their implements in store until they can obtain the price which they want for them?