HC Deb 02 November 1998 vol 318 cc428-9W
Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current size of the national pig herd; what estimate he has made of the likely size of the pig herd over the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [56925]

Mr. Rooker

The provisional results of the June 1998 census records a total of 8.1 million pigs in the UK. Although no estimates are made beyond the immediate future, it is reasonable to assume that the number of pigs will fluctuate over the next five years in line with the pig cycle.

Mr. Öpik

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates his Department has made of the average level of farm incomes on pig farms over the next six months; and if he will make a statement. [56924]

Mr. Rooker

None; indications are that, given the present level of production and market prices, incomes will remain depressed.

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