HC Deb 19 March 1934 vol 287 c847
18. Mr. TURTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many new bacon factories have been started since 13th October, 1932?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)

I regret that the information which my hon. Friend desires is not available.

19. Mr. TURTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present capacity of bacon factories operating under the pigs and bacon marketing scheme; and what percentage of capacity was utilised during the last contract period?

Mr. ELLIOT

The present maximum capacity of the bacon factories in Great Britain is estimated at between 3½ and 4 million pigs per annum. The registered pig producers contracted to supply pigs during the last contract period on a scale equivalent to approximately 1,750,000 per annum. On this basis the percentage of total factory capacity utilised may be taken to have been rather less than 50.

20. Mr. TURTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the total number of contracts, and in respect of how many pigs, entered into by pig producers for the period from the 1st March to 31st December, 1932?

Mr. ELLIOT

I regret I am not in a position to make a statement at present, but I hope to be able to do so shortly.