§ 23. Mr. T. Dribergasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that there are delays in collecting bacon pigs for slaughter in the neighbourhood of Maldon, Essex, so that by the time the pigs are collected their owners sometimes no longer qualify for the bonus payable on pigs weighing between 8 and 9 score; and if he will consider paying this bonus in cases in which the area pig allocation officer had been notified in good time of the date by which the pigs will be ready for collection and the fact that the pigs are overweight is no fault of the owners.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI have written to the National Farmers' Union, who raised this matter, and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the letter.
§ Mr. DribergDo the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's inquiries confirm that there are these delays, and could he say what the gist of his reply has been?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs a matter of fact, this matter has been inquired into for some considerable time. A scheme was put up by the farmers. It was examined by my Ministry and by the farmers and found to be unsatisfactory. Another scheme has been suggested. I have written to the Farmers' Union about that. It also has certain weaknesses in it, but I am most sympathetic to the point made in this question, and I shall do all I possibly can.
§ Mr. DribergThe right hon. and gallant Gentleman does realise that, meanwhile, these owners are losing the bonuses?
§ Major Lloyd Georgeindicated assent.