HC Deb 24 November 1955 vol 546 cc1635-7
22. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent bacon pig factories are operating below maximum production.

Mr. Amory

There has been an increase in the rate of slaughter of pigs for bacon production in Great Britain over recent weeks and output is now about 4,000 tons a week compared with an output of 3,250 tons a week last summer. The maximum output achieved in any week since the derationing of bacon was 4,900 tons.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Has the Minister no evidence to suggest that many bacon pig factories are working below the maximum level of production, and that that is brought about by the very substantial drop in the pig population? Is he not aware that, according to The Times agricultural correspondent, bacon factories are likely to be in serious difficulties in the New Year?

Mr. Amory

Of course it is no part of the responsibility of the Government to guarantee any particular level of output to bacon factories. The whole question is the normal commercial problem of relating production to a fluctuating demand.

Air Commodore Harvey

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that it is the wrong time of year to reduce prices of bacon pigs and that if he wants to encourage pig producers to do more he has to give them a fair wage? How is it that housewives are not getting the benefit of the lower prices now paid for bacon pigs?

Mr. Amory

It is purely a question of supply and demand, and the housewife is master of the situation.

Mr. T. Williams

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the temporary shortage of pigs is wholly due to the muddle created by the present Government?

Mr. Amory

No, I strongly disagree with the right hon. Member. If I may repeat once more what I said—this is the crux of the problem—there is no muddle: it is purely a commercial problem. Any of us who has been in industry and commerce knows that one of the most difficult things to do is to relate production to a fluctuating demand.