HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1218-9W
Sir R. Glyn

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will consider the importance of encouraging the production of the cutter type of pig of a minimum weight of 140 lbs. deadweight, in view of its general use for fresh pig-meat, sausages, pork pies, etc., and the fact that the production of this type of pig, besides meeting the normal demand of a large section of the poorest class of the population, also provides for the increased supply of edible fats, including lard, as pigs of this size and type of eight months age and upwards can be finished on home-grown foods, while the ordinary porker-type of 4½months pig depend mainly on imported foodstuffs not easily available during war?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am anxious to do everything practicable to encourage the production of the heavier type of pig, not only because pigs of this type can use a greater proportion of the more bulky home-grown foods and yield more edible offals, but also as a method of increasing the supply of pigs suitable for the production of bacon. In order to attain this object a uniform price per score lbs. has been fixed for all fat pigs up to 200 lbs. dead weight. In view of the greater costs of production of the light porker-type of pig it is believed that this will encourage pig producers, where possible, to feed their pigs to heavier weights.