HC Deb 01 November 1939 vol 352 cc1929-30
56. Mr. Liddall

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of curers registered with the Bacon Marketing Board prior to the outbreak of the war; how many of that number produced less than an average of 15 cwt. of bacon, excluding pickled pork, each week during 1938; and whether, as those registered curers who did produce less than an average of 15 cwt. of bacon, excluding pickled pork, per week during 1938, have been informed by the Bacon Department of the Ministry of Food that they will not be allowed to produce bacon when control commences, it is proposed to compensate those put out of business as a result of this decision?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The number of curers registered under the Bacon Marketing Scheme on 3rd September, 1939, was 551. The number of separate premises on which bacon was being produced by these curers was 569, and in 346 cases the average weekly production of bacon (ex- Cluding pickled pork) during 1938 was less than 15 cwt. It is proposed that these 346 premises should not be licensed for the production of bacon under the Bacon (Licensing of Producers) Order, 1939. There is no reason to suppose, however, that these curers be put out of business as a result of this decision. There will be nothing to prevent their continuing to act as retailers or wholesalers of bacon and provision will be made, when rationing of bacon commences, for supplying them with their due share of bacon to meet the demand of customers registered with them.

Mr. T. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, before taking this decision, it was ascertained whether or not the maximum quantities of food are provided by these small curers, who cure only a small proportion of the pork which they receive and turn the offal into pork products, which are largely working-class articles of consumption?

Mr. Morrison

In regard to those businesses which, in the main, are pork butchers' businesses, to which I think the hon. Member refers, I have answered previous questions on that subject, and it is hoped to make provision for them in the scheme.

Mr. Mathers

Is the right hon. Gentleman still prepared to receive representations on this matter?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir.

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