§ 14. Mr. Bossomasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the present balance as between our purchases from Denmark and what they buy from us; and under what circumstances are our farmers able to purchase Danish pigs for breeding purposes.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossIn the 12 months ended April, 1951, imports from Denmark were £108.3 million c.i.f., according to the Trade Accounts, and total exports, including re-exports, were £63.9 million f.o.b. The export of breeding-stock pigs to the United Kingdom is prohibited by the Danish Government.
§ Mr. BossomDoes not the Minister think it is very desirable to see the great differential between the amount we buy and the amount Denmark buys from us? Should we not ask the Danish Government to reconsider this matter, because the breakfast table of England generally prefers Danish bacon to British bacon, unfortunately, and we want to get more pigs over here for that purpose.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossI am sorry that the lion. Gentleman is disparaging the British agricultural industry in this respect.
§ Mr. BossomOn the contrary, I am quoting the National Farmers' Union, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman will be aware if he looks into the matter.
Mr. VaneIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that British pigs are sought after all over the world for crossing with native pigs for the production of bacon? Will he do everything he can to uphold that honourable position which we now hold?
§ Sir H. ShawcrossYes, Sir. I will even invite the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) to breakfast with me from a British pig.
§ Mr. BossomI will accept that offer.