HC Deb 11 March 1970 vol 797 cc1325-6
11. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that the level of returns to pig producers in the remainder of 1970 is at least as good as the level of return obtained from exporting pigs in the period before he introduced control of these exports.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

Government assurances relate to the guaranteed price which is determined after the Annual Review in the light of all relevant factors. On that I must ask the hon. Member to await my statement to the House.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I appreciate the right hon. Gentleman's reasons for controlling the export of pigs recently. Is he aware that the only reason why producers have exported them was that the returns abroad were much better than those at home? Now that producers have been denied this opportunity abroad, could he give an assurance that they will be given a chance of at least as good a return in the home market as they can receive overseas?

Mr. Hughes

Exporters always sell abroad because they get a good price. That is a very simple point. The Annual Review consultations are now proceeding.