§ Mr. P. A. HARRISasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller intends to enforce the Order universally as to the purchase of cattle by dead-weight instead of by live-weight; whether he is aware that there is a general objection amongst farmers to this Order; whether he has received resolutions from butchers to the effect that the Order is likely to assist the formation of a meat trust; and whether he will consider the advisability of permitting in Leicestershire the sale of cattle by live-weight, provided there is more scientific grading?
§ Mr. CLYNESNo Order has at present been issued requiring that cattle shall be1724W sold by dead instead of by live-weight, but I am aware that in certain districts farmers object to this method of sale. No resolutions of the character described have been received from butchers, and the hon. Member may rest assured that the Food Controller will not tolerate the formation of any meat trust. It would be invidious to differentiate between Leicestershire and other parts of the country, but it is hoped, with the assistance of the Agricultural Organisation Society and other agricultural bodies, to devise a satisfactory solution of the present difficulties.