HC Deb 20 June 1955 vol 542 cc1025-6
40. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he has, in the last two weeks, increased the wholesale prices of bacon 20s. to 32s. per cwt.

Mr. Amory

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newbury (Mr. Hurd), on 16th June, 1955.

Mr. Collins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that was a most unsatisfactory reply, because it gave no indication why prices have been increased at a time of a seasonal decline in demand, following a reduction in prices for pigs to farmers? There can be no justification for these increases now. Will the Minister say when we are to have some orderly marketing?

Mr. Amory

I think the steps which have been taken and the price changes which are illustrated in the reply to which I have referred are sensible. I would remind the hon. Gentleman that present prices of bacon are substantially below the prices at the time of decontrol.

Mr. Willey

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that at any rate it is suspicious when prices fixed by the Government are decreased during the General Election and increased immediately the Election is over?

Mr. Amory

I would remind the hon. Member that demand is very much stronger now than it was.