HC Deb 24 October 1918 vol 110 c936W
Mr. G. LAMBERT

asked the Food Controller if he is aware that there are many hundreds of sheep that have been fed on Dartmoor now ripe for the butcher, and if not converted into mutton at once these sheep must lose flesh and probably many will die through being wintered on Dartmoor and there being no inland keep for them; and whether he will issue a permit allowing them to be slaughtered?

Mr. CLYNES

Arrangements are already in operation for the slaughter of as many of the sheep in question as can be disposed of in the present circumstances. Dartmoor farmers are notified by the auctioneers of the district of the numbers of sheep required weekly for slaughter, and these are sent in from the various farms in agreed proportions, preferential treatment being given to those farmers who have the least available feed. Every effort is being made to enable farmers to dispose of their stock, and no complaints of special difficulty in the Dartmoor district have been received.

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