HC Deb 19 December 1932 vol 273 cc721-2
11. Mr. LIDDALL

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state, apart from the regulation of imports, which recommendations of the Reorganisation Commission for Pigs and Pig Products have been adopted; the progress made; and what order measures he has decided upon to make the pig industry remunerative?

19. Mr. GLOSSOP

asked the Minister of Agriculture when he will be able to announce the policy of the Government regarding the recommendations made in the Report of the Pig Reorganisation Commission?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)

The recommendations of the Reorganisation Commission for Pigs and Pig Products were addressed in part to the Government and in part to pig producers and curers. I am glad to be able to announce that the Government, for its part, has decided to accept, in principle, the recommendations of the Commission. That is to say it is prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to facilitate the establishment of a reorganised bacon industry in this country on a firm footing, to provide for its expansion within reasonable limits, and to regulate imports, by arrangement or otherwise, so far as may be requisite for the purpose. Enabling legislation is in course of preparation and will, I hope, be introduced soon after the House resumes. The next and most pressing step is for producers of pigs and of bacon in Great Britain, for their part, to submit their schemes as recommended by the Commission. I also attach much importance to what I may perhaps call the lesser recommendations of the Commission, but, as far as these are concerned, my hon. Friends will, I feel sure, understand that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. GLOSSOP

May we take it from the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's reply that the industry concerned is doing all that it can to co-operate with the Ministry?

Major ELLIOT

That is so.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the Minister satisfied from the experience of 1929, when prices were considerably higher, that, when the scheme is introduced and finally adopted, an increased output of pigs will follow?

Major ELLIOT

I think that, given stability and a reasonable prospect of the future course of events, the pig producers will expand their production.