§ 53. Captain Peter Macdonaldasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the recent case in connection with the revised Bacon Marketing Scheme under which a single pig was despatched by itself from the West Country to a factory in the Birmingham area at a cost of £2 15s.; and whether he is satisfied that arrangements have now been made to operate the allocation scheme on an efficient basis?
§ Mr. RamsbothamMy right hon. Friend has no detailed information about the journey of this particular pig, but he believes that the circumstances were exceptional. The matter is one for action by the industry, and not by my right hon. Friend, but I am informed that steps have now been taken which should prevent a recurrence.
§ Mr. ThorneIs the Minister aware that I had a similar question down, but the Minister of Agriculture asked me to postpone it till Thursday?
§ Mr. RamsbothamThe hon. Member has the answer now.
§ Mr. ThorneIf that is the case, I want to know why the Minister in question asked me to postpone my question till Thursday, because he would not be here to-day?