§ Mr. GANGEasked the Minister of Food why his refusal to permit the importation of chilled pigs synchronises with the decontrol of English pigs; and is he aware that the consequent inevitable rise in the prices of pork and bacon will be attributed erroneously to the de-control of the English article?
§ Mr. PARKERThe Order prohibiting all persons from taking delivery of frozen pig carcases imported from North America was issued on 26th January, 1920, and did not synchronise with the decision to de-control home-produced pigs and pig-products, which was announced on 3rd March. For the reasons why it is necessary to continue this prohibition I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 18th March. I may add that the present state of the market in North America is such that the purchase of any frozen hogs there by private traders in competition with the British Mission would have the effect of raising the price of bacon to the detriment of the British consumer.