§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the state and prospects of the British pig farming industry.
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 19 December 1994]: British pig producers, like those in most other European countries, have suffered a long period of low prices and poor profitability. The pig cycle, whereby good profitability leads to herd expansion, increased supplies and ultimately falling producer prices, is characteristic of the industry which relies on the marketplace for its returns. The most recent trough in the cycle has been longer lasting than anyone in the industry expected. However, the signs are that supply is slowly reducing across Europe and we expect to see improvements in producer profitability in 1995. As my hon. Friend explained in the debate on the pig industry on 15 December, Official Report, columns 1189–93, it is important that our industry works to distinguish British pigmeat from that of our competitors on the grounds of 1033W high quality and welfare standards in order to help boost its prospects for the future.