§ Sir A. Baillieasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the practice adopted by large poultry hatcheries in this country of subletting to the smaller hatcheries the Japanese chick-sexers whose services they have obtained for the season for a lump sum; whether he is aware of the profits which are made in these transactions; and what steps are being taken to train an adequate supply of British chick-sexers to perform this work?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware of the existence of the practice referred to, but I have no information as to the terms of the arrangements made with the smaller hatcheries. As regards the third part of the question, I understand that the encouragement of proficiency in chick-sexing has been considered on several occasions by the National Poultry Council; that one examination in this subject has already been held by the Council; and that a further one may be held in the near future.