Mr. H. SAMUELasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state, without detriment to the public interest, what were the stocks of meat in the United Kingdom at the end of December, 1916 and 1917, respectively, or the percentage of increase or decrease between those dates; and the number of head of cattle, sheep, and pigs, or the percentage of increase or decrease?
§ Mr. CLYNESStocks of meat of all kinds held in cold stores and in importers' warehouses in the United Kingdom on the 1st of January, 1918, showed an increase of 14 per cent. on those of a year before. The increase is entirely due to items held for consumption by the Army, and the meat passing through cold storage represents only a small proportion of the total requirements of the country. With regard to the numbers of live stock, the only information relating to the numbers at the close of the two years in question is in respect of England and Wales. A comparison shows estimated decreases amounting to 5.3 per cent. in cattle, and 8.1 per cent. in sheep.