HC Deb 04 March 1940 vol 358 cc37-8W
Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that large numbers of sheep are being refused sale at markets by graders on the ground that the sheep are not finished enough for human consumption, resulting in the sheep having to be taken back to farms already short of feed; and what further steps is he taking to help such farmers?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

The Government has reserved the right to refuse to purchase any animal which, in the opinion of the certifying authority at the collecting centre at which the animal is presented, is in store condition and should be fed on. The local knowledge of the certifying authority, on which there is a farmers' representative, should enable them to exercise this right with discretion in the light of the local feeding stuffs situation, and the demand for store animals.