§ Mr. Sloanasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the growing resentment amongst Scottish farmers regarding the grading system under the Fat Stock Control Scheme; and what steps he proposes to take to restore confidence amongst the farmers that they are getting the proper weight for their stock?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am not aware of any growing resentment amongst Scottish farmers regarding the grading system under the scheme for the Government purchase of fat stock. I would point out that in the past it has been almost the invariable practice for fat stock to be sold and bought on the basis of estimated carcase weights. Under the control scheme this practice is being continued. The grading is carried out by a specially appointed certifying authority, consisting of a farmer, a butcher, and an auctioneer, which is given facilities for test comparisons between its grading and the actual figures available after slaughter.