HC Deb 20 July 1959 vol 609 cc83-4W
79. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the fall in the sow production in Great Britain from 565,000 this year, as compared with 713,000 in 1958, constitutes a danger to the bacon, pork, sausage, and pie trades, that this imperils British employment and production and opens the door to foreign competition adverse to British industry, and that this is particularly so in Aberdeen; if he will investigate the causes of this; and if he will take steps to rectify it.

Mr. John Hare

I do not accept that the current decline in the breeding herd from the record high level of 1958 will have the widespread adverse effects which the hon. and learned Member foresees, either in Great Britain generally or in Aberdeen.

As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 9th July last to the hon. Member for Brixton (Mr. Lipton).