§ 9. Mr. Hilton Dawson (Lancaster and Wyre)If he will make a statement about the incomes of farmers in the pig industry. [83856]
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Nick Brown)The Government are fully aware of the difficulties still facing the pig industry. However, market prices have improved by 33 per cent. since the low point in January and currently stand some 20 per cent. above the average European Union price.
§ Mr. DawsonI thank my right hon. Friend for the serious and level-headed attention that he brings to that important subject, in contrast to some of the overblown rhetoric and nonsense we hear from Conservative Members. I commend to him the pigmeat products from the Lancaster and Wyre constituency; perhaps we should call it the Duchy of Lancaster pig. Will he give some serious attention to how notable firms such as North West Fine Foods can fully exploit the niche market of quality local produce, selling to quality local people and quality visitors?
§ Mr. BrownI fully take my hon. Friend's point, but there is no protectionist solution to the sector's problems. The way forward is to support the Meat and Livestock Commission's campaign on assured British pork, ham and bacon. At the same time, we must urge retailers to make sure that the welfare premium for which we voted in 1991 is obtained by producers in the marketplace.