HC Deb 28 July 1958 vol 592 cc937-8
33. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the Pig Industry Development Authority has yet promoted or undertaken any investigation or research about marketing.

Mr. John Hare

I understand that the Authority is working on these subjects, and I am asking the chairman of the Authority to write to the hon. Member and let him have full details.

Mr. Willey

I am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. Is he aware that fluctuations of the pig and pork markets are very disturbing to producers and that any action taken by the Authority would be very welcome?

Mr. Hare

Yes, but the hon. Member will realise that the Authority may not engage in the business of buying or selling pigs or pork products or promote or undertake the establishment of arrangements for marketing of pigs or pork. It is therefore more on the technical side of marketing that it must concentrate.

Mr. Peyton

Will my right hon. Friend assure us that he has not closed his mind to a marketing board if such a thing should be recommended to him by the Authority?

Mr. Hare

It is extremely unlikely that I will change my mind in view of the very full advice which my right hon. Friend had such a short time ago.

Mr. Willey

Can we assume that such a recommendation would come within the scope of the Authority's work?

Mr. Hare

I rather doubt it. I think the Authority's work should be concentrated on the technical aspect of marketing rather than on broad questions of policy.

35. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the latest available estimate of the cost of the pig subsidies in the present financial year; and how this compares with the figures for 1957–58.

Mr. John Hare

The cost in the United Kingdom of the subsidy on pigs in 1958–59, allowing for the reduction in guaranteed prices for pigs at the Annual Price Review, is estimated at £48.4 million, compared with £36.9 million for 1957–58.

Mr. Willey

In view of the taxpayer's considerable interest in support prices, will the Minister study retail prices to see that they reflect the reduction in producer prices?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Member knows perfectly well that that happened with bacon.