94. Mr. B. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisher Food whether the Government have now decided their future policy for the pig industry in the light of the Report of the Reorganisation Commission for Pigs and Bacon; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. AmoryYes, the Government's policy, which is designed to improve the technical efficiency of the industry in production, processing and distribution, so as to enable it to face foreign competition without the need for substantial Government support, is set out in a White Paper which is being published today.
The Government have accepted in principle the recommendation of the Commission that a Pig Industry Development Authority, on which all sections of the industry will be represented, should be established with wide powers to carry out services for the technical improvement of the industry.
21WCertain changes will be introduced next year in grading standards which form the basis for the payment of quality premiums under the Guarantee Scheme, so as to encourage the general improvement of the quality of bacon pigs. No change is proposed in the present marketing arrangements for pigs.