§ Read 3a (according to Order).
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (VISCOUNT HALIFAX)My Lords, I have it in command from His Majesty to signify to the House that His Majesty, having been informed of the purport of this Bill, gives his consent, as far as His Majesty's interest is concerned, that the House may do therein as they shall think fit.
§ Bill passed.
§ CATTLE INDUSTRY (EMERGENCY
PROVISIONS) BILL.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (EARL DE LA WARR)My Lords, I think I can deal with this Bill very briefly as it is only an extension of legislation which your Lordships have already approved 323 in the past. It provides for the continuance until July 31, 1937, of the subsidy which, since September, 1934, has been payable on certain classes of cattle when sold for slaughter in the United Kingdom. This is the last of a series of interim measures which have been presented to Parliament by the Government since it became apparent, in the summer of 1934, that if the cattle industry of this country was to be preserved, some special steps would have to be taken. We make no apology therefore for this series of measures, nor do we apologise for their temporary character.
The measure which is before the House to-day effects the necessary transition from the emergency provisions of the last two years to the permanent policy outlined in the statement of July 6. The permanent provisions will be built up on this foundation. A steady and healthy beef market secured by a rational flow of supplies through the medium of the International Meat Conference; the home producer assisted and safeguarded by an Exchequer subsidy; the production of good quality beef encouraged by a suitable adjustment of the subsidy payments; measures for the encouragement and promotion of efficiency in marketing and slaughtering; and a Customs Duty imposed on imports of beef from foreign countries—these are the main features of a policy which Parliament will be invited in a few months' time to approve as a development of the proposal which I now ask the House to pass.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Earl De La Warr.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a.
EARL DE LA WAREMy Lords, this is a certified Bill and I therefore ask your Lordships to negative the Committee stage. I beg to move that this Bill be committed.
§ Moved, That the Bill be committed to a Committee of the Whole House.—(Earl De La Warr.)
§ On Question, Motion negatived.