55. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he can make a statement regarding the importation from Eire of lard, fat cattle and sheep; what limitation is put on imports of bacon and bacon pigs from Eire; and whether he will give an assurance that the whole position will be considered anew with a view to permitting an increase in these imports for the period of the war for the purpose of providing an added volume of food for the population of this country for the war period?
Major Lloyd GeorgeAt the present time there is no quantitative restriction on the importation from Eire of fat cattle, sheep or bacon pigs. The quantity of bacon imported is determined by mutual agreement between the Ministry and the Government of Eire, to provide for the maximum supply of such food to this country. As regards lard, negotiations are proceeding for the purchase of Eire lard by the Minister of Food. The question of an assurance such as my hon. Friend desires does not, therefore, arise.