HC Deb 17 December 1998 vol 322 cc658-9W
17. Mr. Thompson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is pursuing with other European Agriculture Ministers to help the pig industry. [63001]

Mr. Nick Brown

I have held a number of constructive discussions with my counterparts in the EU; both in Agriculture Council and in bilateral meetings. Following those discussions, we have encouraged the EU Commission to use all the mechanisms it has available to help alleviate the particularly difficult market conditions faced by the EU pig industry.

19. Mr. David Heath

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with pig producers in the south west about the current state of pig farming. [63003]

Mr. Nick Brown

Ministers have had a number of constructive discussions in recent weeks with pig farmers in the South West and elsewhere in Britain. These have helped us understand the crisis situation facing pig farmers at the present time.