§ 7. Mr. Peytonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the concern felt by breeders of coloured pigs caused by the tendency on the part of the Pig Industry Development Authority to concentrate its attention on bacon pigs, in particular the landrace and the large white; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareI am aware that some breeders of coloured pigs have expressed concern, but I have no reason to doubt the Authority's public statements that its policies contain no special consideration for particular breeds of pigs nor any narrow concentration on the needs of any one outlet.
§ Mr. PeytonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the idea that a good bacon pig makes a good pork pig does not command universal agreement and that there is genuine concern amongst the breeders of pork pigs at the tendency by the Authority to spend most of its money primarily on bacon research? Does my 574 right hon. Friend not realise that the most important aspect from the point of view both of the industry, the Government and of the consumer in facing this difficult problem is that confidence should not be undermined by rumours and suspicions, which are now rife?
§ Mr. Hare: I have given my view about the rumours and suspicionsI do not think they are justified. I would, however, point out that P.I.D.A. is an entirely independent body. Doubtless, attention will he paid to what my hon. Friend has said in the House. I have every confidence that the Authority is dealing with the interests of the industry as a whole and not concentrating merely upon one section of it.