§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that producers of bacon pigs are receiving lower prices now than a week ago; what relation this has to the increase in guarantee price announced at the 1967 Annual Price Review; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartLast year's contracts between pig producers and bacon curers ended last week, and I understand that discussions on contracts for the coming year are now taking place. Meanwhile prices are being offered on a weekly basis,154W and I am informed that the current price offered to producers formerly selling on contract is lower than a week ago. It is for the industry itself to determine the prices offered for bacon pigs of different qualities, whether on contract or otherwise, having regard to all relevant factors including the level of the guaranteed price.