§ 59. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total cost in deficiency payments on pigs for each of the weeks ending 3rd and 10th December, 1955.
Mr. AmoryThe total payments under the guarantees for those weeks were £251,364 and £594,178 respectively.
§ Mr. DyeDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that, in the circumstances, a greater part of this was nothing more than a bonus to people operating between the producer and the consumer, in view of the low market price and the high prices charged for pork during the Christmas season?
Mr. AmoryI cannot follow the hon. Gentleman. The producers concerned have the safeguard of the basic guaranteed average price of 51s. 4d.
§ Mr. DyeDoes not the right hon. Gentleman remember that the market price was exceptionally low during that week, for no apparent reason?
§ 60. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total number of home-produced pigs received for bacon manufacture during 1955.
Mr. Amory4,436,000 home-produced pigs were used for bacon manufacture in the United Kingdom in 1955.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he is going to produce a sensible, logical marketing scheme for pigs and how much longer the producer and taxpayer alike are to suffer the losses which are being suffered at present?
Mr. AmoryI do not think that arises on this Question, but I have already said that I am looking forward to the Report of the Reorganisation Commission.
§ Lieut-Colonel LiptonDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that the production of 4,400,000 pigs during 1955 is satisfactory? Does he think that is enough or should it have been less or more?