HC Deb 01 July 1915 vol 72 cc1949-50W
Mr. ELLIS DAVIES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether any steps have been taken by the Board of Agriculture to induce the county council or other authorities to undertake the reclamation and cultivation of land in their areas with a view to increasing the food supply?

Mr. ACLAND

Soon after the outbreak of war the county councils were invited by the Development Commissioners to consider the preparation of schemes for the reclamation and cultivation of areas then waste and uncultivated. I would point out, however, that the preparation of these schemes was urged from the point of view of providing work for the unemployed rather than to increase the production of food. The latter question is now being considered in all its aspects by a Committee appointed by the President of the Board, and no undue delay will arise in drawing up a report.

Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the necessity of conserving the meat supply of the country and the steps that are now being taken by his Department for the prevention of the slaughter of young animals, he is prepared to issue an instruction to the manufacturers of vaccine lymph in this country that the use of calves for that purpose must be discontinued?

Mr. ACLAND

The Board are not disposed to use their powers under the Slaughter of Animals Act to interfere with the necessary operations for the preparation of vaccine lymph.

Sir JOHN SPEAR

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if the agricultural returns made on 4th June are sufficiently tabulated, will he state what is the number of cattle in England and Wales below the age of one year, and the number of lambs; and what was the number of similar animals for the three preceding years?

Mr. ACLAND

The agricultural returns to which the hon. Member refers are not yet tabulated, and the figures for the current year therefore cannot yet be given. The figures for the last three years are as follows:—

  • Cattle under one year: 1,266,443 (1914), 1,141,281 (1913), 1,142,089 (1912).
  • Sheep under one year: 7,269,809 (1914); 7,010,390 (1913), 7,260,545 (1912).