HC Deb 20 March 1975 vol 888 cc489-90W
Mr. Scott

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he intends to cut back grain imports and encourage swill and grass feeding of cattle.

Mr. Bishop:

Each livestock producer is free to decide what feedingstuffs to use. Imports of feed grains have declined in recent years and are expected to continue to fall in 1974–5.

I am seeking to encourage the best use of our grassland, and would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Torney) on 25th February 1975.—[Vol. 887, c. 73–74.] Substantial quantities of swill are already fed to animals. This is a useful source provided that proper care is exercised in processing to avoid the risk of animal disease.