§ 40. Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what encouragement he will give to pig production in view of the shortage of meat and the success of efforts to sell more pork.
§ 58. Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to increase the production of home pig meat.
§ Mr. PeartThere is already prospect of considerably higher pig production in 1965–66 than in 1964–65, and of a weaker market. The guarantee on pigs is costing over £30 million in the current year and, with more pigs in prospect, it is likely to cost even more next year. We cannot consider encouraging production regardless of the capacity of the market and of Exchequer cost. The various changes I have announced in the pig guarantee arrangements following the Annual Review are aimed at striking the right balance.
52. Mr. J. E. B. Hillasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is now satisfied that the increased demand for pig meat shown since the last price review represents an established trend and is likely to continue; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartThe demand for pig meat in the past year has to some extent reflected the strength of the meat market generally. The average pig price was reasonably firm until recent weeks when it weakened under pressure of heavy supplies of pigs. The numbers marketed in 1965–66 are expected to be substantially greater than in 1964–65, and the market is likely to be weaker. But taking the market situation as a whole we have nevertheless thought it appropriate to raise the level of the middle band of the flexible guarantee from 12 to 12.8 million for the coming year from the present level of 11.25 to 11.75 million.
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§ 56. Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the workings of the standard quantity system in relation to the production of pig meat; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartI am satisfied that the purpose of the flexible guarantee, which is to help to stabilise pig production, is right. I also believe that the changes decided upon after the recent Review will improve its operation. These include raising and widening the middle band, and widening the steps on either side of it.