§ 53. Brigadier Raynerasked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the increase in the number of calves reared for fattening as a result of the calf subsidy; and if he is satisfied with the result.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI cannot say how many extra calves have been reared solely for fattening as a result of the calf subsidy, but the number of calves under one year old in the United Kingdom increased between September, 1947, and September, 1948, by 147,000 steers and 222,000 heifers; all of the former and a proportion of the latter would be for fattening. I am satisfied that the subsidy has had a good effect in encouraging breeders to rear calves which would otherwise have been sent for slaughter.