§ Mr. William Palingasked the Minister of Food if he will consider abolishing the privilege of hotels and caterers commuting bacon rations in favour of ham; and if he will make available to householders the opportunity of purchasing cooked ham through their provision merchants.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe answer to the first part of the Question is that no such privilege exists under the Ministry's regulations. With regard to the second part of the Question my right hon. Friend regrets he is unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion as all bacon and ham available is required for the ration.
Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, in connection with the concentration of the bacon curing industry which took place during the war years, 423W he will now consider a scheme for the deconcentration since the need for concentration no longer exists.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe pig supply position renders such a course as that suggested by the hon. Member entirely uneconomic at the present time, but the matter is being kept under constant review.