§ 6. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the total production of pigs is consigned for bacon.
§ Mr. BuchanIn recent years, the proportion of total pig production in Scotland consigned for bacon has been 1474 about 70 per cent., and in the United Kingdom as a whole about 35 per cent.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithIs the Minister aware that the bacon contracts announced this morning face bacon producers in Scotland with an increase of lld. a score, whereas the Government guaranteed price was increased by 1s. lld. a score? In view of the much greater importance of the bacon industry to producers in Scotland than to producers in England, can the hon. Gentleman say whether he is satisfied with this level of return?
§ Mr. BuchanI am satisfied that not only the measures announced this morning but the various measures of the Government have assisted the pig industry in general, both curers and producers. I hope, too, that the scheme announced on 12th April, with a new form of levy, will be of assistance to directing increasing aid to the pig industry.