4. Air CommodoreHarvey asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the scarcity of poultry, he will again make an additional allocation of pork available for Christmas.
§ Mr. F. WilleyMy right hon. Friend has already said that he will be unable to increase the meat ration at Christmas. We propose, however, to distribute as part of the ration in the period just prior to Christmas as much pork as is available. I am afraid that it will not be very much.
Air Commodore HarveyDoes not the hon. Gentleman consider that he has given the House a most unsatisfactory reply? Does he not agree that it is about time that the Government amended the regulation whereby smallholders and others can keep their own pigs and thus help themselves? Will he look into this matter?
§ Mr. WilleyI am sure the House will appreciate that pig production is increasing substantially, but that most of it is going for bacon.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan my hon. Friend say whether the amount of pork available will be spread evenly throughout the country?
Mr. Charles Ian Orr-EwingWill the hon. Gentleman examine the supply in Eire, because there appears to be a surplus there, and the price is very considerably less than the price he is paying in Northern Ireland?