Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the volume of production of pigmeat in the United Kingdom in the year ended June, 1955; the estimate for the year ending June, 1956; whether he is satisfied with the position; and whether he will make a statement.
Mr. AmoryFor the year ended June, 1955, the figure is about 720,000 tons compared with 606,000 tons a year earlier. It is difficult to make an estimate at this time because the March returns of livestock are on a sample basis, and for England and Wales only. The indication however has been of a decline in the breeding herd and it is possible that production may be about 10 per cent. lower in the coming year. Having regard to our experience of consumer demand since decontrol and the cost of the guarantee on pigs, I would not regard the indicated level of production as unsatisfactory in present circumstances.