16. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that in the pork and bacon market in Canada pigs are fed to one size and weight for both outlets; and if he will 1930 investigate whether this method holds any advantage over the British market, which demands pigs of two sizes.
Mr. AmoryThis question was considered by the Howitt Committee; but it concluded that in this country there were overwhelming objections to concentration on a single type of pig.
Mr. VaneCan my right hon. Friend tell us what the objections are, because, to the ordinary man, it seems that this pendulum effect in the market which the existence of the two separate sizes and weights must bring about must always have an unsteadying effect? Even if the consumer is going to lose something in the quality of his pork, surely there would be something to be said for bringing these weights nearer together.
Mr. AmoryI think the Committee was mainly impressed that the consumer demand seems to be centred on the lighter-weight pig.