§ 39. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average return per score deadweight for bacon pigs in each quarter of 1965; and what is the estimated return for the present quarter.
§ Mr. John MackieComparable figures for the four quarters of 1965 are 41s. 6¾d., 42s. 7¾d., 43s. 6d. and 42s. 8¼d. The corresponding figure for 1966 up to 20th February was 41s. 6d.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, since the Government took office, returns to pig producers have been virtually static in face of costs 1291 which have risen considerably? Can he give pig producers an assurance that they will get a greater share of the bacon sharing agreement whilst Government policy appears to be to squeeze the producers in their returns?
§ Mr. MackieOur policy is not to squeeze any returns from any section of the industry. The question of what is to be done is for the Annual Review and cannot be discussed here now. The whole point is that the returns have gone down because of increased production of pigs. The middle band has gone way up and that is the reason for the reduction.