§ Mr. J. Griffithasked the Minister of Food whether he will state the composition of the body set up by his department to control the purchase and sale of livestock in the county of Carmarthen; whether this body is responsible for the arrangements to transport livestock; what method has been adopted to employ lorries and drivers for this purpose; who fixes the mileage payments for such transport; and what is the average increase in those mileage payments now as compared with pre-war rates?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThere are nine collecting centres in the county of Carmarthen at which fat stock are purchased on behalf of the Ministry of Food. The fat stock presented for sale by farmers are graded by a certifying authority consisting of a farmer, a butcher and an auctioneer. After grading the stock are taken over by the district chairman of auctioneers, who acts as Government 2413W buyer, at the scheduled prices according to grade. Fatstock so purchased are slaughtered on behalf of the Ministry and sold as meat. Fatstock purchased on behalf of the Ministry are transported to slaughterhouses by rail, in order to conserve petrol, in those cases where the railways can give an adequate service. In the case of road transport the Ministry has appointed the Wholesale Meat Transport Association (which was specifically formed for the purpose of the Meat and 2414W Livestock Scheme) as their agents to engage and supervise transport required. All bona fide livestock hauliers in the district have, if they so desire, an opportunity of participating in the work, with due regard to the economical use of transport and provided they can give reliable and efficient service. The rates to be paid for the road transport of fatstock have not yet been fixed, and are at present under discussion with the Association.