Mr. JohnMorgan:

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the excellence of the grazing prospects, he will temporarily prohibit the slaughter of immature grazing livestock, such as lambs and young cattle, in order to secure maximum weight of meat supplies even at the expense of quality?

I fully recognise the importance of this question, which has been and still is receiving careful consideration. I do not think it desirable to take the action proposed at the present time, but I shall be keeping the matter under close review, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food.

Will this question and the question of the rationing of barley to brewers, for instance, be announced pretty soon, so that the industry may take full and definite measures affecting the present situation now, and not next year?

It will be announced as soon as possible. Every possible indication will be given to the farmers.

Does the right hon Gentleman realise that precise and definite and not nebulous appeals to the farming industry at the present time would be a help?

Decidedly.