§ 27. Mr. du Cannasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the concern among producers at the slump in bacon pig prices; and if he will take steps to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. John HareI have arranged to meet representatives of the National Farmers' Union, the Fatstock Marketing Corporation, and bacon curers to discuss the situation. In the meantime, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Yeovil (Mr. Peyton) on 27th January.
§ Mr. du CannWhile I congratulate my right hon. Friend upon that initiative, which we hope will be satisfactory in resolving a most unfortunate situation, might I ask him to bear in mind during the discussions that it appears to be the almost unanimous view of farmers that two things are required, first, a pig marketing organisation, and, secondly, some control of imports?
§ Mr. HareAll I can say is that I will take note of what my hon. Friend has said, and I will certainly take note of what is put forward at the meeting, which will be held on Thursday.
§ Mr. WilleyWhile I welcome the right hon. Gentleman's initiative, will he again look at the question of marketing and not have a closed mind, as his predecessor did? Will he appreciate that there is a real need for the orderly marketing of pigs?
§ Mr. HareThe hon. Gentleman will agree with me that it would be much better for me to wait and hear what these very important bodies have to say to me before I make any statement.
Commander MaitlandWhen my right hon. Friend has completed these discussions, will he make a statement to the House about their results?
§ Mr. HareI would rather see how the discussions go. If I think that it would be useful to make a statement, I shall certainly do so.