asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the existing restrictions upon the keeping of poultry are causing dissatisfaction and injustice; that some relaxation is desirable, both from the point of view of poultry production and the providing of a useful occupation; and whether he will reconsider the position.

The only restrictions on the keeping of poultry of which I am aware are those imposed by the shortage of feedingstuffs. [Laughter.] That is not so laughable for the people concerned. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Orpington (Sir W. Smithers) on 27th October.

Is the Minister aware that adherence to the 1939 list of poultry keepers cannot go on for ever, and from time to time there must be men giving up and dying? Can we not have an assurance that this restriction will be relaxed in some direction?

It must be borne in mind, with supplies as they are at the moment, that if they are stretched over any larger number of people it simply means that those in the business on a commercial basis will get even less than they are getting now. On the whole, it is thought that that would be a worse arrangement.