§ Mr. WILESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the fact that farmers are selling off young cattle from twelve to eighteen months old in unusually large numbers at the present time; and, if so, will he state what measures he proposes to take to prevent the sale and killing of cattle before they are really fit for the butcher?
§ Mr. ACLANDThere is no evidence at present of any serious check to the breeding and feeding of stock. The matter is being closely watched by the Board. There is, however, considerable alarm among farmers at the price of feeding stuffs. This- matter has been under investigation by the different Departments concerned, and is being considered. In my opinion, even though there may be present difficulties in maintaining a normal head of breeding stock, it would be a short-sighted policy for farmers to reduce them unduly. The killing of stock at a younger age and in a less highly finished condition than usual is not necessarily under present circumstances uneconomical, provided that the total head of breeding stock is maintained.