HC Deb 07 July 1988 vol 136 c1186
16. Mr. Gill

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any evidence of hidden subsidies to continental pig producers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Recent Italian and French state aids in the pig sector are the subject of Commission investigations. Rulings on their legality are awaited. We are always prepared to refer firm evidence of possible illegal aids to the Commission for action.

Mr. Gill

Does my hon. Friend agree that a failure to implement fair trade in pigmeat will not only weaken the position of the British pig industry, but seriously undermine the United Kingdom balance of payments?

Mr. Thompson

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. He will welcome the reduction, all things being equal, of the MCA on pigmeat to—1.7 per cent. next January, and I am sure that he will be joined in his welcome of that by the NFU and the National Pig Breeders Association.