§ 98. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenportasked the Minister of Food what estimate was made of the exportable surplus in each of the five years concerned when the agreement with the Republic of Ireland was made on 1st May, 1951, under which this country undertook to buy for the next five years 90 per cent. of the exportable surplus of Irish pigmeat; and, in view of the fact that the pig population in Eire is increasing very rapidly and that an excessive quantity of fresh pork may, eventually, have to be imported, what steps he proposes to take to minimise the effects of this commitment.
Dr. HillSupplies of pork and bacon from Eire since 1951 have fluctuated widely. It is estimated that in the period May, 1954, to April, 1955, some 30,000 tons of pigmeat will be shipped. This is less than 3 per cent. of the U.K. requirements. The agreement further provides for changes in the proportions shipped as pork, bacon and live pigs and offers ample scope for the adjustment of supplies to meet actual U.K. requirements from time to time.