HC Deb 31 January 1956 vol 548 cc750-1
40. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether ho will make a statement on the recent negotiations of representatives of Her Majesty's Government with regard to future supplies of Danish bacon to this country.

Mr. Low

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey).

Mr. Fernyhough

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Leader of the House, when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, said that he much preferred subsidies to tariffs as a way of helping the farmers, and since this proposed tariff would add about £6 million to the cost of living, does he not realise that it will be a direct incitement to the trade unions to go on pressing their wage claims?

Mr. Low

I still have nothing to add to the answer which I gave yesterday.

Mr. Wade

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep in mind the interests of the consumer while these negotiations are in progress? May we have an assurance that supplies of Danish bacon will not be limited merely on the ground that bacon can be produced more economically in Denmark?

Mr. Low

We always keep in mind the interests of all people concerned in these matters.

Mr. Jay

Is this tariff proposal the beginning of a new policy of putting taxes on food?

Mr. Low

I still have nothing to add to the statement I made yesterday.