§ 40. Sir A. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, before he introduces amending legislation, he will consult all sections of the pig industry to get their views on the Pig Industry Development Authority's proposal to double the levy on pigs slaughtered so as to bring in an additional £500,000 a year for research and advertising.
Mr. VaneMy right hon. Friend and his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will naturally be ready to receive any representations from the industry and to consider them with the Pig Industry Development Authority.
§ Sir A. HurdWould my hon. Friend not agree that Parliament should not be asked to authorise the collection of this additional levy of £500,000 a year from pig producers and bacon curers unless they are satisfied, from experience and the prospects of further research and development, that they are likely to get value for the money that will be exacted from them? [HON. MEMBERS: "Answer."]
§ Mr. PeartAs it appears that the hon. Gentleman does not intend to reply to that question, will he say if representations have already been made and, if so, by what organisations? While it would be wrong to criticise the P.I.D.A. as such, because it is a useful instrument of policy, were the pig producers consulted?
Mr. VaneMy right hon. Friend has received representations from the National Pig Breeders' Association, the National Farmers' Union and others, and he is prepared to consider such representations. I can assure hon. Members that he will not ask the House to approve an Order unless he considers that its contents are right and proper.
Mr. VaneThey are, by and large, against an increased charge, which is natural, but I think that a lot of people—both inside and outside the industry—probably do not appreciate, although J know the hon. Gentleman does, the value of research, which is one of the projects which the Pig Industry Development Authority has in mind.