§ 43. Mr. FLAVINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state if any bacon curer residing in Ireland was present on 9th March, 1917, when the price of Irish bacon was fixed at 140s. per cwt.; and, if so, will he give his name and residence?
Captain BATHURSTThe answer to this question is in the negative. As I have already stated in the House, in view of the short time available, it was not possible to arrange for the attendance of Irish representatives when prices were first fixed, but representatives were present at the subsequent conferences on 22nd March. I may say that the prices of the bulk of Irish bacon have always been fixed in London, as the values are affected by those of other descriptions of bacon which are imported into this country.
§ Mr. FLAVINMay I ask why, in this great industry in Ireland, which is one of our principal mainstays of food, the Irish bacon industry and the Irish farmers were not even invited or consulted in connection with the prices fixed for their produce?
Captain BATHURSTI have already pointed out that owing to the sudden inflation in the price of bacon it was necessary, in the interests of the consumer, to hold a conference somewhat rapidly—that was the first conference. At the second conference the Irish representatives had the opportunity of being present.
§ Mr. FLAVINBut surely a telegram would have brought any of the Irish bacon curers here in defence of a great industry in which thousands of men are employed?
§ Mr. GINNELLWhy has not the hon. Gentleman given the House the significant fact that of all the Irish bacon curers present at the second conference not one consented to the 140s. per cwt. maximum price except Mr. Denny, who is an agent of the Government?
§ 44. Mr. FLAVINasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food 1266 whether he is aware that at the second meeting held on 22nd March Irish curers were present and a full discussion took place, with the result that it was unanimously agreed to recommend that the maximum price for Irish Wiltshire cut be fixed at 145s. f.o.b., and that the Controller fixed the price at 139s. f.o.b., and the list of prices issued by the Exchange contains the statement that prices are fixed by order of the Food Controller; and whether he can state why the recommendation of the food representatives at the Exchange of 145s. for Irish bacon was not given effect to?
Captain BATHURSTThe prices were fixed by the Home and Foreign Produce Exchange, after a conference at which all London and provincial exchanges and the Irish curers were represented. It is not considered that the price fixed for Irish bacon is inadequate. The present price is, in fact, 10s. per cwt. higher than it was at the beginning of the year.
§ Mr. FLAVINMy question is a direct one, that is, the representatives at the Exchange unanimously agreed that the price of Irish bacon should be 145s; if that was their recommendation why did not the Food Controller carry it out?
Captain BATHURSTIn the first place there was no unanimous agreement, and in the second place the prices were fixed, as they have been for some time in ordinary and normal times, by the Home and Foreign Produce Exchange, and not by the Food Controller.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill the hon. Gentleman say whether the representatives of this Exchange met and recommended that the price of Irish bacon should be 145s.—will he say whether they recommended that or not?
Captain BATHURSTI Should think it extremely likely that that recommendation was made, but it does not necessarily follow that, in the interests of equity, the recommendation should be adopted
§ Mr. FLAVINDid not the hon. Gentleman tell the House on Friday, 23rd March, that the difference in price of 10s. per cwt. as between Irish and English bacon would be considerably reduced, and why was not the hon. Gentleman's promise fulfilled?
Captain BATHURSTNo, Sir, I did not say that. What I said was that the matter came up for reconsideration at fortnightly 1267 intervals. As a matter of fact, it is only right to say that I have had a Return made of the relative prices of English and Irish bacon for the last four years, and the difference has never been less than 6s., while sometimes it has been as high as £l.
§ Mr. FLAVINThat is your opinion!
§ Mr. FLAVIN(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food Control whether he is aware that, as a result of the fixing the price of Irish bacon 11s. per cwt. under that of English bacon, the number of pigs killed for the week ending 29th March, 1917, is as follows:—Ulster and Connaught, 4,863; Munster and Leinster, 10,877; total for Ireland week ending 29th March, 1917, 15,740, and the corresponding week for 1916 the total pigs killed in Ireland was 22,118, showing a reduction of 30 per cent. of the food of the nation, and whether, even now, he will place the price of English and Irish bacon on a level, as otherwise the Irish farmer and cotters will cease to breed and fatten pigs for the market?
Captain BATHURSTThere is clearly a discrepancy in the figures given by the hon. Member. I would suggest that he should revise his addition. I am making inquiries, and will communicate the result to him as soon as possible