§ 74. Lieut.-Commander DEANasked the Food Controller if he is aware that the controlled price of 28s. per score for pigs 1138 bought by dead-weight is being totally ignored by breeders and dealers in all parts of the country; that the average price is far in excess of this; and if he is prepared to take such steps as shall ensure the controlled price being enforced?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. The-controlled price for pigs sold by deadweight was fixed at 30s. 6d. per score by the Pigs (Maximum Prices) Order, 1919, which came into operation on the 1st December. Instructions have been issued that the provisions of this Order are to be strictly enforced in all parts of the-country.
§ Lieut.-Commander DEANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the amount that is-being charged at the present moment is far in excess even of the figure which he has given, and that this difference is being made up of fictitious expenses, which do-not allow the pork butcher to have any margin on his sales?
§ Mr. McCURDYNo, Sir; that is the first suggestion which has come to my notice, but I will make inquiry into it.
§ Lieut.-Commander DEANIf I am able to bring evidence of this, will the hon. Gentleman be willing to go into it?
§ Mr. McCURDYCertainly, at once.
§ Major HOWARDIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the control of pigs has reduced the pigs in this country more than 50 per cent.?
§ Mr. McCURDYNo, Sir; I am aware that the pig population of this country has been reduced by 50 per cent. I am certainly not aware that the control of pigs is even a contributing factor.