§ 56. Mr. J. WALLACEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the shortage of import supplies of hams and cooked hams into Scotland for processing purposes which has arisen under the bacon marketing scheme and the inadequacy of the present quota to meet the demands of consumers in Scotland, he will state what action he proposes to take in view of the fact that unless the import quota is increased unemployment may arise in the ham-curing and processing industry?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Market Supply Committee have been asked to examine the circumstances affecting the supply of hams, particularly in Scotland, with a view to advising His Majesty's Government in the matter.
§ Mr. WALLACEIs my right hon. Friend aware that this is a very important matter for Scotland, that at the present time the quota of hams is absolutely inadequate, that as far as home supplies are concerned they are not forthcoming, and that this is having a serious effect in Scotland from the industrial point of view?
§ Mr. BUCHANANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the position is urgent in Scotland, and can he say whether he contemplates any immediate action?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot add to the answer I have given.
§ Mr. WALLACEWill the right hon. Gentleman consider this matter as urgent?