§ 10. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture the factors in production which result in British bacon being approximately 140s. per cwt. dearer than the price at which Danish and Dutch bacon is selling in this country.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe reasons for this difference are varied and complex and cannot be set out briefly. A study of this question has recently been made by my Department working in association with the University of Nottingham. The results of this study will be published as soon as possible.
§ Mr. CrouchDoes my right hon. Friend realise how very serious it is to have this difference in price between English and imported bacon? Will he tell us whether the difference is due to such factors as cheaper labour, better feeding-stuffs or better export arrangements? It is not fair that the British farmer should have to compete with imported bacon when there is such a great gap in the price.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe difference is caused by a combination of circumstances which it would be inappropriate to discuss in answer to a Parliamentary Question.