HC Deb 27 October 1947 vol 443 cc20-1W
49. Mr. Vane

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that no ewes or ewe lambs capable of breeding up depleted hill flocks are now passing through the markets for slaughter.

Mr. T. Williams

While I received many reports in September of cases of the sale for slaughter of ewes suitable for breeding, the latest information before me shows that the proportion of ewes to total sheep being purchased by the Ministry of Food during the past few weeks is less than it was last year. At the same time I take this opportunity of again emphasising to farmers the extreme importance of keeping for breeding all sheep suitable for that purpose.