asked the Minister of Food whether he will take steps to establish a system of selling cattle by deadweight, as an alternative to the markets, to be introduced before the de-rationing of meat.

It would not be practicable to introduce a system of selling cattle by dead-weight before meat is de-rationed.

The time is admittedly short for it to be done, but will my right hon. and gallant Friend give every encouragement to producers to formulate voluntary marketing schemes, if not for operation immediately on de-control, then as soon as possible afterwards? Will he have particular regard to allowing facilities for slaughtering? In other words, will he give an opportunity for use to be made of some of the abattoirs which are at present in the possession of his Ministry?

Every facility will be given. As my hon. Friend is aware, that is the Government's intention. I would rather not say anything more at the moment about the question of slaughtering. As my hon. Friend knows, it is a difficult subject and arrangements are under consideration.

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that if the deadweight system can be brought into being, it will eliminate the great amount of waste on re-grading which we have experienced so long? Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not agree that if it could be brought about now it would be an indication for the future of what would be the best method?

I think that the hon. Member would agree that it would be quite impossible to do that now before de-rationing.