§ 59. Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what amount has been paid this financial year by way of deficiency payments on pigs; and how much it is now estimated will be paid this financial year.
§ Mr. NugentThe total amount paid by way of deficiency payments on pigs from the beginning of the financial year to 27th January, 1956, is £406 million. I cannot give a revised estimate for the whole year until the publication shortly of the Supplementary Estimates.
§ Mr. WilleyWhilst appreciating those reasons, may I ask whether, in view of the very high cost, the hon. Gentleman will expedite his consideration of a system of orderly marketing? He has complained about my calling this a muddle, but the Economistis now calling it a fantasia.
§ Mr. NugentWe consider that the present system has worked fairly, both in the interests of the producer and of the consumer.
§ Captain DuncanWould not my hon. Friend agree that the original Estimate, made for the purposes of the last Budget, was £76 million, and this shows a considerable reduction?
§ Mr. NugentThat is so.