§ Mr. J. Dugdaleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any undertaking as to the registration of their business after the war is being given to those firms instructed to cease curing bacon?
§ Mr. MabaneThe plan for the concentration of the bacon industry, at present in draft, provides for the closed factories retaining their licences to produce bacon. When the concentration scheme is withdrawn they will therefore be in the same position as factories which continue in production, but I am unable to make any further forecast of what the circumstances of the industry will be at that time.
§ Mr. Dugdaleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the concern felt in many households at the prospect of the diminution in the quantity of offals available as a result of the bacon-curing concentration scheme; and whether he has any statement to make on the matter?
§ Mr. MabaneThe concentration of bacon production will not affect the total quantity of pig offals available, which is determined by the number of pigs slaughtered,
§ Mr. Dugdaleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number of makers and the factory space expected to be released for other purposes as a result of the scheme for the concentration of the bacon-curing industry?
§ Mr. MabaneThe selection of nucleus factories in the bacon industry has not yet been completed and until it has been it is not possible to give the information asked for. Undertakings have, however, been given that no premises will be closed for bacon production unless my Noble Friend is satisfied that space or labour will be released for more urgent national requirements.