HC Deb 24 March 1958 vol 585 cc1-2W
17. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the Irish Republic has recently found it necessary to subsidise the exports of Grade A bacon to Great Britain to the extent of £5 to £6 per cwt., and that the cost of this is estimated at £1,325,000 per year; and whether, in view of the fact that the subsidising of Irish bacon exports to Great Britain is partially responsible for increasing the amount of subsidy which has to be paid to British producers of bacon pigs, he will arrange for this matter to be discussed at an early date with the Irish Government with a view to mutually beneficial action.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend is aware of these arrangements, but imports of bacon from the Republic are well below pre-war level and as they form a very small part of our total supply—less than 3 per cent. in 1957—their effect on the subsidy to British producers is marginal. In the circumstances my right hon. Friend does not consider it necessary to discuss the matter with the Irish Government.