46. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the number of calves now being sold through Kirkby Stephen and other marts in N.W. England; and whether he is satisfied that it is in the national interest that so many calves should be slaughtered by the Ministry of Food at the same time as he is urging that a larger number should be reared.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsYes, but I glad to note that, as in other areas, the number of calves sold to the Ministry of Food for slaughter at these markets in North-West England has substantially declined. I understand that most of the calves sold for slaughter are unsuitable for rearing, but I will have the position watched by the Westmorland County Agricultural Executive Committee, in case anything further can be done to ensure the more extensive rearing of suitable calves.