§ Sir H. SEELYasked the Minister of Agriculture, whether the pig contracts for 1937 have fallen below the required minimum; and, if so, what immediate steps he proposes taking to maintain bacon supplies?
§ Mr. W. S. MORRISONThe number of pigs contracted to be sold to curers in 1937 under the Pigs Marketing Scheme is 1,886,194. The contract provides that if the number is less than 2,200,000 the Bacon Marketing Board may, within four days of being notified by the Pigs Marketing Board of the number contracted for, declare the contract void. The Bacon Board were so notified by the Pigs Board on 15th December, and I understand that they exercised that right and declared the contract void. With regard to the last part of the question, I am considering what action can be taken, pending consideration of future policy.