§ 33. Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to assist pig producers in the present difficulties arising from the increased price of feeding stuffs.
§ The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Norman Buchan)I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Oswestry (Mr. Biffen) on 15th March.—[Vol. 870, c. 5.]
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesDoes not the Minister realise that this is an urgent matter that should not run on from one question to the next? Pig farmers need the most earnest consideration. They are losing money on every pig they produce.
§ Mr. BuchanWe do not need any reminding from Tory Members of the seriousness of the position in the pig industry. We have inherited the problem; we are looking urgently into means of dealing with it.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesIt is not a party matter.
§ Mr. BiffenAs I may be one of the relatively few Members aware of the content of the answer that was sent to me, will the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to indicate when he expects to be able to make a definitive statement which, we hope, will be satisfactory to the pig producers?
§ Mr. BuchanShortly. If I were the Leader of the House, I would say, "Not today, but shortly, I hope".