§ Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the suffering and consequent high mortality among day-old chicks which are exposed for sale in the streets and at markets and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Mr. HudsonI am aware that day-old chicks are frequently sold under circuinstances which are undesirable, but to put a stop to such practices would involve a comprehensive system of control and the taking of powers which at present I do not possess. The Domestic Poultry Keepers' Council are doing all they can, by way of propaganda and otherwise, to discourage the purchase of day-old chicks by domestic poultry keepers, and I hope that the hon. Member's Question and this reply will serve to reinforce their efforts.