§ 29. Mr. Whitelawasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes he proposes to make in the standard required by his inspectors before they pass calves as eligible for the calf subsidy.
Mr. AmoryNo change in the statutory standard is contemplated, but I want to ensure that this is interpreted in a reasonable and uniform manner throughout the country. My officers have recently demonstrated the standard to representatives of the N.F.U., and the results are under discussion.
§ Mr. WhitelawIs my right hon. Friend aware that his statement that he is not definitely changing the standard will be well received, because there have been rumours to the opposite effect in the north of England? When he makes up his mind to consider the standard, will he bear in mind the position of the small farmers on the poor land, because their beasts cannot grow as quickly to the best size as those on better land?
Mr. AmoryI will bear in mind what my hon. Friend has said. My present anxiety is to see that the standard is as uniformly interpreted as possible throughout the country.