§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) what steps have been taken to preserve the sow population, in view of the fact that the pig is the most prolific meat and fat-producing animal in this country;
(2) whether consideration has been given to the suggestion that farmers should concentrate on flesh production and kill pigs at porker weights in order to free more meal for the keeping of sows, which would thus ensure the continuance of home supplies?
Mr. HudsonA considerable reduction in pig numbers has been necessary since the outbreak of war in view of the limited supplies of concentrated feeding-stuffs. No further reduction is now required and prices of pigs have been adjusted accordingly. Various measures such as the organised collection of swill have been undertaken to ensure the Maintenance of the greatest possible number of sows and other pigs under existing conditions. It is considered desirable, however, that home fed pigs should normally be reared for the production of bacon for sale against the ration. The maximum production of pig meat from the limited2090W supplies of feeding-stuffs available is moreover secured when pigs are fed on to bacon weight and not slaughtered as porkers. The older pigs can also thrive with a higher proportion of waste materials and bulky foods in the ration than younger pigs of the porker class.