§ 35. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that since the abolition of import quota restrictions on bacon the price of English bacon has fallen during the past two months by 81s. per cwt. which is equivalent to £4per pig; and whether, in view of the consequentially increased cost of subsidising pig production in this country and the danger that a continuation of such low prices may force exporting countries to reduce the level of their bacon herds and so eventually bring about a shortage of bacon, he will consult with the exporting countries as to whether they will reconsider the introduction of quota restrictions by Great Britain,
Mr. AmoryNo, Sir. The recent decline in bacon prices must be considered in relation to their previous rise after Christmas to the highest level they have ever reached, despite their normal tendency to fall at that time of year.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportIs it not difficult for any pig producer—either in this country or abroad—who is supplying us to plan ahead intelligently under these conditions?
Mr. AmoryI do not think so, because there is a guaranteed price, which is there for the purpose of providing him with a safeguard to enable him to plan ahead.