76. Mr. FABERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether there are at present in this country exceptionally large supplies of imported bacon, much of which will rapidly become unfit for human food unless promptly dealt with; and, if so, whether, in the circumstances, he will make the public acquainted with the fact without delay, and beg them temporarily, within the limits of the meat ration, to eat more bacon and less butchers' meat, or will he say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAn official notice was issued in the Press on 2nd June, calling attention to the fact that there were unusually large supplies of mild-cured Danish bacon in the country at the present time. It is desirable that public attention should again be directed to the advisability of giving a preference to this bacon over other kinds of meat which can more readily be preserved for later consumption.
Mr. FABERCan the hon. Gentleman say whether since this large importation the price to the consumer has been in any respect diminished?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI will ascertain that, and let the hon. Member know.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the owners of this bacon are trying to sell it at 11½d., and that the ordinary person cannot buy bacon except at about 2s. per pound?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe Food Controller will be glad of any information the hon. Gentleman can give him.
§ General Sir IVOR PHILIPPSHas the Department got no information?