§ 63. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that bacon imports are running in excess of the weekly figures justified by the annual quota, and these are contributing to the weakness in the bacon market and the consequential increase in the pig subsidy; if he will give an assurance that the total bacon quota for 1961–62 will not be exceeded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe only bacon imports subject to quota are those from Poland122W and Hungary. These quotas have remained virtually unchanged for several years and imports under them represent only about 8 per cent. of our total bacon supplies. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade assures me that the level of imports from these two countries during the current quota year (1962–63) will not exceed the amounts provided for under the quota.