§ 2. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that home 406 production of bacon is fulfilling its allocation of the Bacon Sharing Agreement; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Fred Peart)Although home production of bacon is likely to fall short of our minimum allocation in 1967–68, it has shown a considerable increase in the last six months. Production in the July-September quarter was over 15 per cent. higher than in January-March.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithBearing in mind that last year bacon imports cost this country £123 million—64 per cent. of our consumption—would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the time has come to renegotiate the Bacon Sharing Agreement and to give more encouragement to home producers?
§ Mr. PeartAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the Bacon Sharing Agreement has been in existence for a long time, even before I was Minister. It is reviewed every year. I note what the hon. Gentleman says. I am looking at this matter carefully. I am glad to say that the latest figures show that the breeding herd in Great Britain at September, 1967, was 3 per cent. up.