§ Sir ALFRED GELDERasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the Barton-on-Humber fat stock market has recently been closed for a fortnight and for a third week only open to receive a small quantity of cattle for local requirements, while other markets in North Lincolnshire are being kept open weekly, thus preventing the farmers who are tied to this area from selling their stock to the best advantage, and at a time when it is ready for sale; whether he is aware of the inconvenience and loss caused by taking stock to and from a closed market; will he arrange when the market is closed for due notice to be given to prevent unnecessary transport of cattle; and whether he will see that in future equal treatment is accorded to all markets, both small and great, throughout the districts, so that farmers who have an excess stock of cattle shall not have to keep them back, but such surplus shall be graded and sent to London or other markets weekly?
§ Major ASTOROwing to the abnormal amount of fat stock coming forward at the present time, it has been necessary to close a certain number of markets which are not conveniently placed for the disposal of any surplus. It was for this reason that Barton-on-Humber was closed while other markets in North Lincolnshire were kept open. It is hoped that this market will be reopened during the coming1476W week. The Food Controller is fully aware of the inconvenience that has been caused to farmers, and every possible step is being taken to alleviate it and dispose of surplus stock.
§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that only a small number of Irish farmers may be termed stall-feeders; that there is not housing enough in Ireland for 5 per cent. of the cattle which the Government propose should be stall-fed and kept over for months and that there is not feeding-stuff to maintain them; whether he is aware that in this event the grass-fed cattle of Ireland will lose their flesh if they are to be kept on or otherwise pass into the hands of the English farmers at prices which will be ruinous to Irish farmers; whether he proposes to take any action in the matter; and if he will take into consideration the effect of the making of this Order will have on the various Orders emanating from Government authorities as to extra tillage, etc., next year?
§ Major ASTORThe Food Controller is aware that Irish cattle for slaughter are chiefly matured on grass, and not stall-fed; he is not aware of any instructions having been issued to hold over fat cattle for a definite period. For the moment it is not possible to take all the cattle marketed and consequently Ireland is called upon to keep back, quite temporarily, her share of the United Kingdom supply. The extra tillage in Ireland, which will naturally produce more fodder and roots, should help to relieve the position, which is also materially assisted by the prolonged open weather.
§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that English sheep and cattle are being turned back from market on account of the quantity of Irish meat that is coming into the country; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Major ASTORThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. When it became necessary to place restrictions on the quantity of fat stock accepted for slaughter in Great Britain steps were taken to impose a similar restriction on fat stock from Ireland.
§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Food Controller whether it is proposed to fix a price for Irish store cattle?
§ Major ASTORThe answer is in the negative.
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§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Food Controller whether, in view of the great expense of time and money occasioned to farmers and butchers by the system under which cattle and sheep killed for food have invariably to be sent to a Government slaughter-house, he will consider the possibility of allowing the Regulations to be relaxed under conditions approved by local food committees?
§ Major ASTORThe Noble Lord is under a misapprehension. Cattle and sheep may be sold for slaughter by the farmer in a live-stock market, or, on a deadweight basis, through wholesale dead meat salesmen, as well as to a Government authorised slaughter-house. The Food Controller is not, therefore, prepared to relax the Regulations in the manner indicated.