§ 74. Mr. Hall-Caineasked the Minister of Agriculture whether there has been any noticeable rise or fall in the average price obtained for pigs in Great Britain since the breakdown of the pig marketing scheme; and by what date he will be able to announce his decision with regard to the various proposals put forward for continuing this scheme on an amended basis?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe contract system for the supply of bacon pigs to factories ceased to be fully operative at the end of December, 1936. Between that month and May, 1937, the average price of bacon pigs at representative markets in England and Wales declined from 12s. 11d. to 12s. 1d. per score. The average price of pork pigs declined in the same period from 14s. 9d. to 12s. 8d. per score. As to the second part of the question, I hope to be able to make a statement before the House rises for the summer Recess.
§ Mr. Craven-EllisIs the producer able to make a profit at these prices?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat depends upon his costs of production, which vary in some cases.