HC Deb 09 November 1966 vol 735 c305W
Mr. Ron Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider meeting the members of the British Bacon Curers Association, with a view to placing the industry on a sound long-term footing.

Mr. Peart

I have told the British Bacon Curers' Federation that I cannot accept any proposal involving a direct subsidy to the curing industry, but that I am prepared to consider any other ideas it cares to put forward. The fundamental difficulty is the shortage of pigs, which will take time to put right. I have already taken action to encourage the expansion of pig production.