asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the difficult position created for established pig salesmen who, by reason of the Government's control of the sale of pigs, will be put out of business entirely; and whether he will consider the advisability of employing such firms as the agents of the Government for this work, as is being done in the case of cattle and sheep, or of suitably compensating them?

The scheme for the control of the sale and slaughter of pigs does not necessarily put pig salesmen out of business. They are at liberty to deal in store pigs. The question of employing these firms as agents of the Government in connection with the purchase of fat pigs has been carefully considered and I am satisfied that it is not practicable under existing circumstances. The question of compensation does not arise. The position is not the same as in the case of cattle and sheep because pigs are being bought on the basis of dead weight ascertained at the point of slaughter whereas in the case of cattle and sheep the purchase price is determined by a certifying authority composed of three persons while the live animal is at the collecting centre. There is therefore no opportunity for the employment of these dealers as graders of pigs.

Is the Minister aware that in Wolverhampton alone there are two firms with an annual turnover of £250,000 who have been put out of business as a result of this, and what action does he propose to take to meet such cases?

I am sorry for individuals who are displaced through the inevitable operation of war-time schemes, but we are satisfied that it would be impossible to employ those firms as agents of the Government.

Is the Minister prepared to receive a deputation from the Midlands Pigs Salesmen's Association of persons representing these people?

I am always accessible, but I can hold out no assurance of any alteration in this arrangement.

Is it not the case that this work would be much better done by those who have experience?