§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the complaints of Scottish dairy-holders regarding the animal feeding-stuffs rationing scheme, as outlined in the 1260W Department's leaflet R1 (4), which provides for a ration of four hundredweight of cattle-food per no gallons of milk produced; whether he is aware that this ration is inadequate for the maintenance of dairy cows; that the scheme makes no provision for holdings outside those on which farmers can produce feeding-stuffs from their own resources; and whether, in view of this, steps can row be taken to increase the allotted ration to meet the needs of dairy-holders who have no such resources?
Mr. JohnstonThe ration to which my hon. Friend refers is intended to provide the extra feeding necessary to ensure the production of milk. I understand that this allowance is generally regarded by farmers as ample, and only one representation against it has been received since the issue of the leaflet. Dairykeepers have been repeatedly told that they are expected to provide for the basic maintenance of their herds by growing or purchasing the bulky fodder required; and it is not possible within the limits of our feeding-stuffs resources to provide for the issue of rations additional to those already announced.