§ 2.38 p.m.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I beg to ask the second Question which stand; in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what, at the current rate, is the annual cost of the bacon subsidy; what is the relation of the present import rate by weight to current domestic production.]
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, there is no subsidy on bacon, but home producers of pigs, whether sold for the production of bacon or pork or for manufacturing receive guarantee payments. The 1957–58 Estimates included provision for £36.6 million to cover these payments in the United Kingdom. At present about 60 per cent. of total supplies of bacon and 7 per cent. of pork are imported.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. With regard to the latter part, in which reference is made to imports, may I ask him whether he will seek to have consideration given to increasing the quotas of pig products from other countries, now limited, who would be prepared to sell at the going price, to the benefit of the United Kingdom consumer?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, the only thing I can do in the circumstances is to convey my noble friend's words to my right honourable friend for his consideration.
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, I hope that in conveying those words it will not be with any recommendation, because the pig position is desperate in this country, and we certainly do not want more imports without the home producer being carefully looked after.
§ LORD BARNBYMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he understands, from the question just put to him, that noble Lords opposite do not wish to see the cost of living of this country reduced?
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, so far as this matter has gone, I think I can only say that my second reply was intended to be a little flat in tone.