HC Deb 11 March 1942 vol 378 cc1076-7W
Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that quantities of bacon pigs, which would otherwise go to bacon factories and be distributed on the ration, are being purchased as store pigs at high prices; that purchasers of such pigs are entitled to kill and cure same providing they feed them for two months; and that, as a result, large numbers of people are obtaining supplies of bacon and pork far in excess of their rations at a cost greatly exceeding the controlled price; and whether steps will be taken to stop this practice which is depriving bacon factories and consequently the public of supplies?

Major Lloyd George

The arrangements whereby persons may kill and cure for their own consumption pigs which they have fed for a period of not less than two months have been made with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Food and are designed to encourage the best utilisation of farm and household waste suitable for pig feeding, which would otherwise be lost. The conditions under which licences are granted are kept continually under review.