§ 53. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the basing of poultry rations on prewar numbers is discouraging the keeping of poultry by those who were not engaged therein before the war; if he is satisfied that this is consistent with the policy of switching agriculture to livestock production; and what steps he proposes to take.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." In the immediate future the Government must look for an expansion of poultry keeping primarily to established producers who will receive this summer the increase in rations already announced. Present supplies of feedingstuffs, unfortunately, do not permit a general extension of rations to persons wishing. to keep poultry on holdings where they were not kept before the war, but I recognise the need for a change in the present basis of poultry rationing as soon as supplies improve sufficiently, and plans are being prepared accordingly.