HC Deb 26 July 1935 vol 304 cc2176-7W
Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is intended to control the production of pickled pork under the bacon development scheme?

Mr. ELLIOT

In accordance with Section 4 of the Agricultural Marketing Act, 1933, the definition of "bacon" in the development scheme is identical with the definition in the bacon marketing scheme and includes "pickled pork." The question whether or not it is desirable to license premises for production of pickled pork will be one within the competence of the Development Board to consider.

Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of registered bacon producers and the number, respectively, who voted for and against the development scheme?

Mr. ELLIOT

The number of registered bacon curers is 627. At the special general meeting on 16th July, at which the development scheme was considered, the result of voting on a show of hands was 53 in favour of the scheme and 45 against. A formal vote on the basis of output was demanded and taken in accordance with the bacon marketing scheme, and resulted in 2,242 votes being recorded in favour of the development scheme and 536 against.

Mr. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture the present number of registered pig producers and how many of these, respectively, voted for and against the development scheme?

Mr. ELLIOT

The number of producers registered under the pigs marketing scheme is 145,185. At a general meeting of registered producers held on 16th July, at which the development scheme was considered, the result of voting on a show of hands was 63 in favour of the scheme and 16 against. A formal vote was not demanded, and I am therefore unable to say how many proxy votes were held for or against the scheme.