Mr. H. Stewartasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that for a considerable period during the last war legislation was in force prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves in this country, except in essential cases; and whether, in view of the growing tendency at the present time to sell such animals for food, he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation on similar lines?
§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the recent slaughter of cows in the United Kingdom which must cause a serious depreciation in the supply of milk not only for liquid consumption but also for manufacture into condensed and evaporated milk for the troops and essential territorial cheeses; and whether he can now consider taking steps to prevent, as was done in the last war, the slaughter of calf cows and heifers?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithYes, Sir. I am aware of the legislation to which my hon. Friend refers. As I stated in the replies given to similar questions put to me by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams) on 23rd November, this problem is under close review, but the information at present available does not suggest that action of the nature proposed is at present necessary.