HC Deb 22 March 1967 vol 743 c1698
19. Mr. Henry Clark

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many live pigs have been exported to Southern Ireland in the six months up to 1st March, 1967.

Mr. Hoy

14,809 in the six months ending 31st January. I do not yet have figures for February.

Mr. Clark

Is not the Minister aware that estimates have been published in many newspapers saying that some 200,000 pigs have been slipped across the border? Is he honestly content that the awards made in the Price Review are adequate to stop that flow, when only recently merchants have been offering 10s. to 15s. a pig more in Northern Ireland towns for smuggling into the South?

Mr. Hoy

If the hon. Gentleman has proof of smuggling, perhaps he can supply it, but I am bound to tell him that any breach of regulations on pig marketing in Northern Ireland is a matter for the Northern Ireland Government.

Mr. McNamara

Can my hon. Friend say what proportion of the subsidies for pigs and cattle in Northern Ireland is met by the British rather than the Northern Ireland taxpayer?

Mr. Hoy

We have not divided it up in that way. We make the payments in the same manner both here and in Northern Ireland.