§ 16. Mr. Watkinsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new measures he proposes to help the pig industry.
§ 17. Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the recent subsidy to pig producers is having the desired effect.
§ 18. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further consideration he has given to the effect on pig production of the subsidy announced by him on 20th January; what action he now proposes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinI have introduced a temporary subsidy which is providing substantial, immediate support for the pig industry. The increase in sow slaughterings has been checked. I know that the industry still faces difficulties, 291W but I have made clear that I do not regard the subsidy as a solution to what is essentially a Community problem. I am continuing to press for a modification of the system of calculation of monetary compensatory amounts in this sector which will enable our producers and processors to compete on fairer terms with overseas suppliers.
§ 29. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the average returns achieved by producers over the last complete month, February, of weaners, porkers, cutters and heavy hogs.
§ Mr. BishopThere are no official records. The average producer returns recorded during January in the Meat and Livestock Commission's Pig Feed Recording Scheme for each category of pig are:
Net margins per pig (£) Producers of Average Efficiency Top third of producers of above average efficiency (based on feed cost per kg of liveweight gain) Weaners -1.72 +0.68 Porkers -3.40 +0.93 Cutters -3.45 +1.44 Baconers -2.11 +2.99 Heavy hogs -10.61 -6.52