HC Deb 12 May 1965 vol 712 cc67-8W
Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what payment a producer received for a top grade bacon pig, weighing 8 score 5 lb. in 1959 and in 1964 respectively.

Mr. Hoy

The return on particular pigs depends on the commercial value put on them by the buyer; but for bacon pigs generally the average return, including guarantee payment, was 43s. 7d. per score in 1959–160 and 42s. 1d. per score (provisional) in 1964–65 (April to March years). Government quality premiums were also paid in both years on pigs graded AA+ or AA. In 1959–60 the eligible weight range for quality premiums was 7 score to 8 score 5 1b., but in 1963, in accordance with a suggestion made by the industry, the top weight was reduced to 8 score.