HC Deb 16 July 1952 vol 503 cc2129-31
21. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food what estimate he has made, based on the increase in pig breeding stock, of the supply of pig meat next winter; and, in view of the fact that the bacon factories are already working to capacity, if he will encourage the marketing of pigs at lighter weights for the pork trade from October onwards.

Major Lloyd George

We estimate that 509,000 tons of pig meat will be produced in the period from July, 1952, to June, 1953. My right hon. Friend and I consider that it would at present be uneconomical of feedingstuffs to encourage the production of very light weight pigs, but the new price schedule, which it has been agreed with the Farmers' Unions to introduce with effect from 11th August, should encourage the production of pigs between 7 and 9 score, which is a useful weight for pork as well as bacon.