asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state if bacon produced from black or cross-bred pigs is unsuited for the export trade in view of the fact that such pigs are very extensively bred in Great Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pigs for Export.
Mr. Walsh
The large white breed of pig is the most suitable for the purpose of catering for the high-class bacon and pork trades, and the wisdom of the policy of concentrating on this breed here is emphasised by the extent to which measures have been taken to encourage the breed elsewhere, for example, in the Six Counties, when it is intended to cater for export. It is true that other breeds are permitted in Great Britain, where they are indigenous, but this appears to be due mainly to historical causes. There has traditionally been a multiplicity of pig breeds in Great Britain and the practical difficulties of changing over to a single breed, especially in a country which is not an exporter, can be readily appreciated in such circumstances. On the other hand, it would be most unwise for this country to reverse all the progress made in this direction during the past 50 years. To do so would introduce great confusion into the pig industry and lead to a serious deterioration in the quality of our breeding stock. In my reply to the Deputy's question of 8th November, 1951, I mentioned the various authorities in this country who had commended our policy at various times. Leading British authorities have also commented favourably on our pigbreeding policy and on the excellent type of animal it has evolved.