asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider using a more up-to-date and more equitable method of allocating supplies of feedingstuffs for pigs and poultry than the 1939–40 figures of consumption, especially when ex-Service men are claiming allocations.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he is taking to issue new permits for feedingstuffs for poultry to enable individuals to start keeping chickens before the winter sets in.

I recognise the need for a change in the present basis of pig and poultry rationing and although plans are being prepared I am not yet satisfied that supplies of feedingstuffs will be sufficient to enable such a change to be made in the near future. Ex-Service men who were keeping pigs or poultry before joining up are eligible for rations on the same scale as they would have received had they remained on their holdings.

Is the Minister aware that this failure to recognise that there is a constant change going on—it has been going on for the past eight years—has caused a very great deal of injustice to people who have tried to settle in farming since the war? Will he recognise that fact and not let the grass grow under his feet any longer than is necessary?

I can assure the hon. Member that we are fully aware of the demand on the part of certain people to become poultry keepers, but I am also aware that the commercial poultry keepers, whose rations were reduced down to one-eighth of those required to maintain their 1938 numbers, must have first consideration as and when increased feedingstuffs supplies are available.

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now give some guidance to farmers on the supplies of feedingstuffs that will be available for pigs and poultry; and if he has formed an estimate of the increase in the home production of bacon and eggs which should be attained in 1947.

I am not yet in a position to announce the scale of rations for livestock, including pigs and poultry, for the forthcoming winter rationing period, but the subject is under active consideration and I hope to make an announcement before the end of this month. It is unlikely that there will be any material increase in the output of bacon and eggs in 1947, but I cannot form a reliable estimate of production in the latter half of the year until the results of the June census become available.

Does the Minister's statement mean that the British housewife must now abandon all hope of getting additional bacon and eggs from home sources next year?

No, Sir.