§ 7. Mr. Haselhurstasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest figure for the home-produced share of the British market for bacon.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithUnited Kingdom curers produced about 40 per cent. of the United Kingdom bacon requirements in 1981. The figure for 1982 is not yet available, but it is expected to be around the same level.
§ Mr. HaselhurstIs my right hon. Friend aware that the historic Dunmow flitch bacon factory is to close? Does he accept that extra investment may be required in the processing sector if the industry is to carve a larger share of the domestic bacon market for itself? Can my right hon. Friend help?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am aware of the proposed closure of this factory. As my hon. Friend knows, the factory, which is owned by FMC Ltd., is being closed as part of a programme to try to make its operations more efficient. I understand that more than two thirds of the pigs which normally go there will go to another FMC factory. It is hoped that factories will be found in the neighbourhood for the remaining one third. I hope that the situation will be taken care of. If my hon. Friend has any particular difficulties, perhaps he will get in touch with me.
§ Mr. TorneyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many British people would like to buy British bacon, but 457 one problem is finding it in the shops? Will he take steps to persuade large multiple retailers to stock and sell British bacon in their shops?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithYes, I agree with much of what the hon. Gentleman said. I do not believe that high quality British bacon is as available as it should be. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will join me in welcoming the British charter bacon scheme, which gives a mark of quality. However, I do not believe that the matter should rest there. We still have a long way to go to improve our standards in order to compete with products from other countries.
§ Mr. Geraint HowellsWhat effect will the launching of Food from Britain, which I welcome, have on the bacon industry in this country?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI hope that it will provide further means to promote higher quality British bacon as well as other foods in this country and overseas.
§ Sir Peter MillsAlthough I say it with sadness, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that much British bacon is not up to standard? The good is very good and the bad is rather poor. Will he make representations to the producers for a consistently better product? In recent tests in Devon, I found it difficult to obtain good English bacon.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAs always, my hon. Friend has put his finger on the problem. If a high quality product can be obtained regularly, it will be the best assurance for the housewife and the producer, who will be certain of selling his product at a good price. I hope that the industry will try to help.