§ 56. Mr. LEONARDasked the Minister of Agriculture the average requirements of bacon in the United Kingdom during the months of June, July and August of last year; what steps he has taken to ensure an adequacy of supply for the same months this year; and, of the total deemed necessary, how much will be produced in British curing establishments?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe monthly average of total supplies of bacon and hams in the United Kingdom during June, July and August, 1934, is estimated to have been 925,000 cwt. In order to offset a seasonal fluctuation in home and Dominion supplies, imports of bacon from foreign sources are being increased by about 3½ per cent. from 1st July to the end of September next, while imports of hams from the United States of America will be regulated in such a way as to meet the special demand for hams during the summer months. It is estimated that, excluding bacon produced from imported live pigs and pork carcases, some 25 per cent. of total supplies of bacon and hams during June, July and August this year will be produced in the United Kingdom.
§ 80. Colonel ROPNERasked the President of the Board of Trade with which countries negotiations are to be opened with a view to obtaining their assent towards the imposition of a levy on the 552 pig products exported by them to this country in return for an increase in the total exports permitted to them; and whether he can indicate by what amount per annum it is proposed to permit an increase in the imports of such foreign pig products?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe following countries have a treaty right to free entry of bacon into the United Kingdom: Argentina, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and Sweden. The actual amount of the increase in imports to be permitted will be a matter for discussion and agreement during the negotiations foreshadowed in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on the 7th June.