§ Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture how many super-graders have been appointed under the Livestock Industry Act, 1937; and how many were prior to their appointment butchers and farmers, respectively?
1278W
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to Inspectors appointed by the Livestock Commission to supervise the work of Certifying Authorities under the cattle subsidy scheme. There are 21 such Inspectors, of whom, prior to their appointment, 13 were butchers, three farmers, and two butchers and farmers.
§ Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture how many graders under the Livestock Industry Act, 1937, have been suspended from their duties since the Act came into force; how many of the graders so suspended were originally nominated by the butchers and how many by the farmers; and whether the graders so suspended had afforded to them an opportunity of appealing against their suspension?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonSince the Livestock Industry Act came into force on 1st August last, six out of about 1,900 persons regularly acting as members of Certifying Authorities have been suspended from their duties. They comprise two butchers, one farmer and three auctioneers. Five of the suspended members were given an opportunity of appealing against their suspension and three availed themselves of that opportunity. One was subsequently reinstated and the appointments of the others were terminated. The case of the sixth member is at present being investigated by the Livestock Commission. In addition, the appointments as members of Certifying Authorities of three farmers, three butchers and one auctioneer, have been terminated without previous suspension.