HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 cc1709-10
24. Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the agreement made between producers and the bacon curers will encourage producers to fulfil their share of British bacon quota; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peart

Arrangements between producers and curers for the sale of pigs are matters for the parties concerned. An agreement between sellers and buyers is likely to encourage mutual confidence and is to be welcomed for that reason.

Mr. Mills

Is it not true that this agreement is not a fair one to the producers and, in fact, is almost a form of blackmail in that they cannot find any further outlets? Will the Minister make strong representations to bacon curers to ensure that pig farmers have a fair deal in this respect?

Mr. Peart

I hope the hon. Gentleman appreciates that the terms of what is known as the national contract are entirely a matter for the parties concerned. If what he is asking me to do is to interfere with normal commercial arrangements, I am afraid that I cannot do that.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Can the Minister say whether he is satisfied that the level of slaughtering and forecast slaughtering will be adequate for home producers to fulfil their undertakings?

Mr. Peart

That is a separate question. On the wider aspect about progress in production, I think that the figures show that there is a trend upwards, and a recent P.I.D.A. Report emphasised that. In Northern Ireland particularly, gilts are improving, so we shall get increased production. It is too early yet to say what the effect will be.