§ Mr. DIXONasked the Food Controller if, considering that this Department is now asking farmers, in the interest of the consumers, to keep their fat stock as long as possible on the farms, he will 788W immediately rescind the Order which makes it necessary for the farmer-producer to obtain leave from a Government official and middleman to use his surplus fodder and damaged corn to feed his stock?
§ Major ASTORAt the time when the Cereals (Restriction) Order was passed the situation as regards the use of damaged grain was considered in all its bearings, and the Food Controller is not prepared to rescind the Order. Instructions have, however, been given to facilitate the granting of licences and certificates in every possible way, and the figures which I quoted last week show that these instructions have been carried out.
§ Mr. DIXONasked the Food Controller if he is aware that, after farmers have sold their cattle at market, an official collects an extra charge per animal amounting to as much as £10 per beast, more or less; if he is aware that at a small Midland market town about £1,900 was so collected on one market day; and what is the exact destination of this forced tax and for what purpose it is used?
§ Major ASTORTo the price paid to the farmer for live cattle there is added, before sale to the butcher, a per head charge to cover the cost of railage, droving, sea transport (in the case of Irish and Scottish cattle), lairage, slaughtering, insurance, and the general costs of distribution, which are pooled for the whole Kingdom, so as to secure a flat and steady price for meat. At present prices a beast would have to weigh nearly a ton for the charge to amount to £10.