§ 6. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the fall in home production of bacon in the three months October, November and December, 1966, compared with 1965; and what he is doing to arrest this trend.
§ Mr. PeartHome production of bacon was 10,800 tons lower in October/December, 1966, than in the same period of 1965. We have taken action at the Annual Review to stimulate pig production; and the temporary assistance to curers introduced last December has arrested the decline in bacon production. Discussions are proceeding on long-term arrangements to stabilise returns to the bacon industry, and I will make a further statement as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MillsSurely the Minister must come clean. What are his intentions in the future for the bacon industry? What advice is he giving to the industry? Does he realise that the industry itself wants to put its own house in order as regards rationalisation and quality of bacon?
§ Mr. PeartWhen people talk about putting their own houses in order, it is for them to do it. I have helped. I am now having discussions with the bacon industry. I cannot make a decision until I have had all necessary consultations. I decided at the Annual Review—the supply of pigs is relevant to this—to give a stimulus. Producers will get 1s. 11d. a score. This should have the hon. Gentleman's approval.