HC Deb 20 March 1975 vol 888 cc1830-1
3. Mr. Fry

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect the cutback of the pig breeding herd announced last month will have on the level of imports into the United Kingdom in terms of tonnage and value.

Mr. Bishop

It is not possible to make an estimate of the kind asked for. Home production of pigmeat will be lower this year than last, but imports will also be affected by reductions in the breeding herd in those countries which have traditionally supplied our market.

Mr. Fry

Is not the Minister aware that the British pig herd is 23 per cent. below even the level of 1966, when there was also a Labour Government in power? At that time special measures had to be taken. Is it not time that the Minister considered taking special measures this year to increase home pig production?

Mr. Bishop

The hon. Gentleman must realise, to be fair, that there was a decline in the size of the breeding herd from June 1973 onwards. My right hon. Friend introduced measures last year which brought £29 million to the industry. We have support measures. From 1st August we shall be relying exclusively on the Community pigmeat régime. That provides for measures to be taken to prevent low-price imports from other countries, for subsidies to encourage exports and for internal support measures, such as financial aids to private storage. I am sure that these measures and the general trend will give the confidence that is required.

Mr. Wm. Ross

What representations has the Minister made to Dublin to stop the smuggling of pigs from Northern Ireland into Eire due to the effect of the green pound?

Mr. Bishop

The answer is that my right hon. Friend and the Ministry are watching the position very closely. We are also in touch with the Agriculture Ministers in Northern Ireland to see what action should be taken if necessary.

Mr. Joplin

Will the hon. Gentleman raise himself above his usual standards of answering questions and apply himself to the fact that over the past year, on the Minister's own figures, the breeding herd has declined by 7.1 per cent. and that there are 37 per cent. fewer gilts in the country than a year previously? Is this not a moment when the Government should be attending to the need for greater food production from our farms? What are they doing to reverse the disastrous trend which has taken place over the past year?

Mr. Bishop

The hon. Gentleman should not ignore the points that I have already made. Substantial help was given to the industry last year by my right hon. Friend. Further, the hon. Gentleman should be aware that the market is firming up and that the prospects for pig producers are generally encouraging because the feed price situation is improving.

Mr. Wm. Ross

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.

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