§ 20. Mr. JOYCEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the maximum price of Irish bacon is fixed at 139s. per 112 lbs., while American curers are allowed to sell 758 their bacon at nominal weights, thereby raising the maximum of Canadian to 137s. 6d. and Canadian-cured American to 134s. 6d.; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Captain BATHURSTNominal weights (usually termed "box-weights") have always been accepted in certain districts. The schedule of prices fixed by the London and Provincial Produce Exchanges allows for the continuance of this and similar established trade practices. It is much more common, however, for bacon to be sold by re-weight, which represents the actual weight of the bacon after transit. Under the latter arrangement, the maximum prices of American and Canadian bacon are not as stated in the question, but as quoted in the "Official List."
§ 21. Mr. JOYCEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the maximum prices for provisions other than Irish bacon were fixed by the delegates from the various exchanges and whether the maximum price for Irish bacon was fixed by Lord Devonport himself; and, if so, what was Lord Devon-port's reason for compelling Irish curers to sell at considerable loss to themselves and at 10s. per cwt. below the prices prevailing for their products before he interfered.
Captain BATHURSTThe prices referred to were all fixed at the request of the Food Controller by the Committee of the Home and Foreign Produce Exchange. This was done after full consultation with all the interests concerned.
§ 23. Mr. JOYCEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether the Department of Agriculture in Ireland compels farmers to keep a certain class of pigs; whether this applies to farmers in England and Scotland; whether he is aware that, owing to the unremunerative figure now fixed for Irish bacon, the consequent reduction in the price of hogs, and the high prices prevailing for feeding stuffs, farmers in Ireland are compelled to kill off their young pigs instead of bringing them to maturity; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
Captain BATHURSTAs to the first part of the question, I must refer my hon. Friend to the Irish Department of Agriculture. I know of no regulations which compel farmers in England and Scotland to keep a certain class of pigs. The price 759 of hogs in Ireland is now double that of pre-war times, and cannot reasonably be considered unremunerative.
§ Mr. FLAVINThe hon. Member says the price of hogs is double the price in the pre-war period, is he aware that the price of food material for hogs is double the price in the pre-war period?
Captain BATHURSTYes; but it is only right to say that it is now undesirable that any large quantity of cereal grain or meal should be fed to pigs or other animals; it is in the interests of national economy that such food should be fed direct to human beings.
§ Mr. JOYCEMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if he will kindly see that the replies are circulated as early as possible this afternoon?
§ 26. Mr. LARDNERasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has received resolutions from the urban district councils of Monaghan and Clones, towns where are held markets for the sale of dead pigs, protesting against the discrimination between Irish and English bacon; and whether he is now in a position to state what is the policy of the Food Controller in reference to this matter in view of the effect that the continuance thereof will have upon the production of pigs in Ireland?
Captain BATHURSTThe resolutions referred to have been received. In view of the fact that the price of pigs has doubled during the War, it is not considered probable that any diminution of production will occur. Prices are fixed at stated intervals by a responsible Committee after full consultation with all the interests concerned.
§ Mr. LARDNERMay I ask what interests in Ireland have been consulted in regard to these prices?
Captain BATHURSTEvery trade interest in Ireland has been represented at the conference with the Home and Foreign Produce Exchange. I have the list of names of the Irish delegates, and I can furnish them to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. LARDNERIn view of the dissatisfaction which exists in Ireland, does 760 not the right hon. Gentleman think that the time has arrived when a separate food control should be set up in Ireland to look after Ireland and Irish interests?