§ 26. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Minister of Agriculture 1621 whether he can now make a statement as to imports of bacon from foreign countries, having regard to the supply of bacon from home and Dominion sources, which will be available during the period ending 31st December next?
§ Mr. ELLIOTIn arriving at a decision on this question, the following factors have been taken into account: (i) the estimated yield of bacon from the pigs contracted to be supplied to factories by producers in Great Britain in the 10 months ending 31st December next and the estimated supply of produce from Northern Ireland, (ii) the estimates of marketings of Canadian, New Zealand and Australian produce furnished by the respective Governments and representing increases on the rates of marketing in the last period of about 10, 25 and 65 per cent. respectively, and (iii) the allocation proposed in the case of the Irish Free State. Having regard to the probable monthly distribution of these supplies, the Government have decided that an even and adequate supply to the market will be secured by increasing the permitted imports of bacon and hams from foreign countries by 3½ per cent. over present current rates in the first half, and decreasing them by 4½ per cent. below present rates in the second half of the period referred to. The foreign Governments concerned are being informed accordingly.