HL Deb 21 February 1952 vol 175 cc197-8WA
LORD HAWKE

asked Her Majesty's Government whether they will make such arrangements as will—

  1. (a) enable a domestic pig producer to draw rations for two pigs at the same time;
  2. (b) enable a domestic pig producer to grow extra pigs for sale to the Ministry without having to join a pig club;
subject in both cases to the producer declaring that he has grown sufficient fodder beet or potatoes to provide half the pigs' food for four months.

LORD CARRINGTON

I am afraid that the present shortage of feeding-stuffs precludes any change on the lines suggested, which would increase the total of rations claimed in spite of the noble Lord's proviso. The keeping of one pig at a time for home consumption is the main object of domestic pig keeping and the ration issued for this purpose is intended to supplement waste food and garden refuse rather than farm crops. But if they can get enough extra un-rationed food these producers can fatten pigs for sale to the Ministry of Food without joining a pig club or without keeping them for four months.