asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make a statement on the buying by the French of store pigs in this country at the present time.

An Order is being made by me today which provides that such exports can take place only under licence from my Department. The main reason for making this Order is to ensure that we shall be able to fill the British bacon quota of 27,000 tons as negotiated earlier this year. The export of live pigs to France has the advantage that it requires no subsidy, and we would, of course, be glad to see this trade continue if and when we are satisfied that the British bacon quota can be met.

Could the Minister say if there is any prospect of turning this into a permanent trade with France?

I should love to think there was, but I do not think so.