Mr. DOYLEasked the Minister of Food in view of the great accumulations of 276W bacon in cold storage and at the docks, and the fact that much of it has seriously deteriorated with keeping, what steps he intends to take to release it and thus bring about a reduction in price?
§ Mr. McCURDYI am informed that the stocks referred to are not abnormal for this period of the year, since the manufacture of bacon in America reaches, its highest point in December and January, and the winter months are most suitable for shipment to Great Britain. The period of heavy shipments is now at an end, and for some time to come arrivals will be considerably below consumption. Bacon is now being released by the Ministry of Food at prices considerably below the cost of replacement, and in view of this fact and of the position of the American exchange, I regret that I can hold out no prospect of a general reduction in price.
§ Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Food why the free export of bacon and butter from Ireland to Great Britain is still prohibited; why the Sinn Fein population in Ireland should not consume their fair share of American bacon and allow the population of Great Britain to have-their proper share of home-grown supplies; and when the present restrictions will be removed?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Government have decided that existing restrictions on the export of bacon and butter from Ireland shall be withdrawn after the 31st March.