asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that consumption of bacon is going down because of its high price compared with other foodstuffs; and whether he is satisfied that sufficient co-operation is being shown by all parties to the Pig Marketing Scheme to justify a quota restriction upon imports?

The total annual consumption of bacon and hams in the United Kingdom is approximately at the level of the six-year average 1925–1930, and shows no sign of receding from this level. As a result of the co-operation of all parties concerned in the Pig Marketing Scheme, the production of bacon in the United Kingdom increased from 1,750,000 cwt. in 1930 to nearly 2,500,000 cwt. Many who were not previously interested have taken up this branch of agriculture, which is providing both fresh outlets for capital and further employment on the land. In the circumstances, I am satisfied that a restriction upon imports can be fully justified.

Who is really getting the benefit of these increased prices?

The benefit of the increased prices is going to the producers.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether he is satisfied with the contract position for the next year?

Well, contracts are still coming in, and I have every hope that home supplies will be maintained and possibly increased in 1935. The Pig Marketing Board have expressed the opinion that a short extension of the period for making contracts would be desirable, and consequently it has been decided to extend the period by six days, so that the final day for the receipt of contracts will be Tuesday next, the 20th November.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the restrictions plus the anticipated increase in home out- put are in excess of the figures recommended by the Commission?

I think they correspond very closely with the figures of the Reorganisation Commission.