§ 13. Mr. John TownendTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the United Kingdom bacon market is taken by imports.
§ Mr. TownendIs my hon. Friend aware that there are more pigs in my constituency than people? [Interruption.] Is he further aware that in east Yorkshire we produce the finest bacon pigs in the world, that the quality of British bacon over the past 10 years has improved enormously and is now equal to any bacon in the world and that our prices are competitive? Is it therefore not a tragedy that we import such a large proportion of the bacon that is 1143 consumed? Would my hon. Friend support my campaign to buy British bacon, eat British bacon and help to reduce the very serious deficit in food?
§ Mr. CurryPigs are reputedly very intelligent animals and that is clearly indicated by their choice of residence. I agree with my hon. Friend and I merely add the eggs and butter as well.