HC Deb 30 June 1955 vol 543 cc484-5
24. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he can now report in the progeny-testing and food conversion rate recording of pigs.

Mr. Amory

My Department and the Department of Agriculture for Scotland are engaged in negotiations for the acquisition of sites for five progeny-testing stations for boars. I hope that the first station will be in operation in about a year's time.

Mr. Price

In view of the very great importance of this matter for the purpose of lowering the cost of production of pork and bacon and of production of pork and bacon and of meeting Danish competition, will the Minister regard it as a matter of great urgency, and hurry it on?

Mr. Amory

Yes I will, because I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of the project.