HC Deb 08 December 1947 vol 445 cc123-4W
90. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Minister of Food whether in view of the cases of large-scale slaughtering of sheep, pigs and cattle suitable for breeding, he will impose a ban at all collecting centres on all entries of stock suitable for breeding.

Mr. Strachey

It would not be practicable to impose such a ban. Many female animals are sold for slaughter in the normal course of events and the farmer is the only person who is in a position to decide, in the light of all the relevant factors, whether a particular animal should be slaughtered or should be kept for breeding purposes. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture has appealed to farmers to retain all suitable animals for breeding purposes.