§ Mr. DILLONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the pig industry in Ireland is being rapidly destroyed by the fixing of a maximum price for pigs and the interference with fairs which has resulted from that Order; and whether, in view of the 995W importance of the increase of the supply of pork and bacon, he will immediately withdraw the maximum price for pigs and declare an open market?
§ Mr. CLYNESI cannot agree that the fixing of maximum prices for pigs has had the effect upon the pig industry in Ireland suggested in the question. Lord Rhondda cannot undertake to withdraw these prices altogether, since this would result in an immediate and substantial increase in the prices of bacon and pork to the consumer. He has, however, sanctioned an advance of 3s. per score, or 16s. 9½d. per cwt., as from the 25th March, and he hopes that this increase will have a beneficial effect upon the pig industry in Ireland.