HC Deb 22 May 1952 vol 501 cc639-40
8. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider having a supported price for pork pigs up to 100 lb. dead weight.

Sir T. Dugdale

The prices paid by the Ministry of Food for fat pigs of all descriptions are guaranteed; but if my hon. Friend is suggesting that the prices of pigs weighing up to 100 lb. dead weight should be made more attractive the answer is that the production for sale of pigs of such light weight as this would result in a wasteful use of our limited supplies of feedingstuffs.

Mr. Crouch

In view of the wonderful response which the farmers have made by the production of more meat, especially pigs, does the Minister not agree that if greater freedom was given for the sale of pork that would further increase the number of pigs above the figure we have today?

Sir T. Dugdale

Owing to the limited supply of concentrated feedingstuffs, it is considered that the production of light weight pigs would at present be wasteful.