§ 34. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Food how many backyard pigs were slaughtered in 1952; what is the anticipated increase that will take place in 1953 resulting from the freedom to rear and other relaxations announced on 23rd February, 1953; and what further encouragement and stimulus he now proposes to give the backyard pig population.
Dr. HillIn 1952, 347,000 pigs were slaughtered for home consumption. I cannot forecast the effects of recent relaxations, but no doubt they will help.
§ Mr. NabarroBut is my hon. Friend aware that the whiff of freedom for backyard pigs which he announced last Wednesday may well result in another half a million pigs in the next 12 months, and that if he will get rid of the regulations altogether we may well add another million pigs?
Dr. HillI would point out to my hon. Friend that what remains is the notification to slaughter, and while pig producers in general are compelled to sell all their pigs to the Ministry of Food, to permit uncontrolled slaughter would be an invitation to black marketing.
§ 40. Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that a person selling two half pigs to the Government, retaining two half pigs for himself, is not required to surrender any bacon coupons, whereas a person who sells one whole pig to the Government, retaining a whole one for himself, has to surrender 52 bacon coupons; and what is the reason for this regulation, in view of the fact that the only action required to avoid surrendering coupons is to cut the pigs in half.
Dr. HillIn future domestic pigkeepers may, without giving up any bacon coupons, retain one whole pig on the sale of a whole pig to the Ministry.