HC Deb 11 November 1957 vol 577 cc597-8
33. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, having regard to the importance of its possible effect on the pigs subsidy, if he will appoint a Government representative to the Joint Bacon Consultative Council.

Mr. Godber

No, Sir. It would be inappropriate for the Government to seek representation on a body set up by independent producers' organisations for the purpose of consultation between themselves.

Mr. Collins

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, although wholesale bacon prices have recently dropped 10 per cent. and the farmers' pig prices by £3 per pig, there has been almost no decrease in retail prices? When will he ensure that plentiful supplies are reflected in lower prices for the housewives in the shops?

Mr. Godber

The body to which the hon. Gentleman refers would have no power to do that, but I should have thought from what I have seen in the shops that what the hon. Gentleman said is not true and that there has been a substantial decrease.

Mr. Willey

Will the hon. Gentleman accept this? If there is any question of regulating imports, the Government cannot abnegate responsibility. They must accept responsibility if imports are restricted, and, as I said the other day, they cannot leave this to producers or to this purely consultative body.

Mr. Godber

This is a consultative body which has no powers of this sort.