HC Deb 11 February 1970 vol 795 cc1249-50
25. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the number of pigs likely to be exported for slaughter in 1970; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hoy

It is not possible to forecast the number of pigs likely to be exported for slaughter in 1970, since this will depend on a number of factors, including market conditions in this country and abroad. I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Berwick and East Lothian (Mr. Mackintosh) on 4th February.—[Vol. 795, c. 139–40.]

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

While appreciating some of the reasons for controlling the export of pigs, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that this export trade was booming during 1969 and was seven times as great as it was in the preceding year? Is he aware that prices overseas are very much better than prices at home and that the control of exports in this sphere will deny this better outlet for pigs to home producers? Will he, in the Price Review, give home producers a chance of obtaining the good prices that are prevailing overseas?

Mr. Hoy

I urge the hon. Gentleman to make up his mind just what he wants the Government to do in this respect. Last year, along with some of his hon. Friends and certain newspaper commentators, he was complaining about our having allowed cattle to be exported, paid for by Government subsidy. Because of what we found in the case of pigs—for example, certain traders complained about the number being exported —we reached the conclusion that we had to take this action and, for a short period, control exports so that production in this country can meet our needs.

Mr. Chichester-Clark

Would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that unless a better return can be given to our farmers there will be a steady increase in the export of bacon pigs to the Republic of Ireland?

Mr. Hoy

I do not think so. I remind the hon. Gentleman that the Bacon Sharing Agreement has resulted in considerable progress having been made on behalf of the British bacon curer. Nor should we forget the stabilisation scheme. This, too, has proved helpful to the industry. We want to help the industry still further, but those who produce also have a responsibility to the consumer.