§ 55. Sir P. Hannonasked the Minister of Food the details of the com- 3013 prehensive three-year scheme promoted jointly by the British Government and the Government of Eire for the improvement of Irish egg and poultry production, the cost of which will be borne in equal shares by both Governments; and if a similar project can be arranged to pig raising in Eire, with the object of enlarging the sources of food supply for this country.
§ Dr. SummerskillI have nothing to add to the announcement made on 29th January about the scheme for the improvement of the Eire poultry industry: and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of this. There is no prospect of imports of pig meat from Eire in the near future, and it is, therefore, too early to discuss a similar scheme for the pig industry.
§ Sir P. HannonWill the hon. Lady discuss the possibility of this, and will she have further consultations with the Eire Government on the subject, in order to encourage production?
§ Dr. SummerskillI can assure the hon. Member that it was discussed with the officials of Eire in November and they thought it was a little premature because of the shortage of feedingstuffs.
§ Mr. DraysonIs the hon. Lady aware that there is considerable resentment among poultry breeders in this country at this assistance being given to the South of Ireland and not to Great Britain?