§ 12. Mr. Penhaligonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the present state of the pig industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe three devaluations of the green pound in 1979 removed one of the major problems and there was improvement in producers' returns in 1980.
§ Mr. PenhaligonThat is true. Is the Minister not aware, however, of the assistance given to Irish exporters of pig and bacon meat in order to cover their health inspection charges? Will the Government consider giving similar aid to British slaughterers to enable them to compete against these imports on an equal basis?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI agree with the hon. Gentleman that any national aids that lead to unfair competition have to be dealt with carefully. That is a point that we made to the Commission.
§ Mr. Colin ShepherdIs it not the case that during the period of office of the Labour Government the negative MCAs smashed the cooked pigmeat industry in this country? Is it not the case also that the retention of positive MCAs will extend the hope of the United Kingdom pigmeat industry that it will be restored to its proper position?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThere is no doubt that if we did not have the positive MCAs conditions would be infinitely worse for the United Kingdom pig industry. It is an important section of our agriculture industry. I believe that in the coming price review we have to look closely at the balance between cereals and livestock. This is one sector of our industry that can suffer if we get that balance wrong.