Meat Production (Subsidies)

HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 cc694-5W

Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total level of subsidy paid to on(a) red meat, (b) pig meat and (c) poultry to producers in Scotland in 1987.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The European Community operates "light" regimes in the pigmeat and poultrymeat sectors involving protection of the Community market from third country imports, but little direct support. In contrast, under the Community arrangements for supporting beef and sheep production it is estimated that in Scotland in the 1987–88 financial year £151 million will be paid.