HL Deb 10 April 2000 vol 612 cc22-4WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures they will take to assist the pig production and processing industries in Northern Ireland. [HL1747]

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

Government have made application to the European Commission to introduce a state aid to assist in the restructuring of the United Kingdom's pig industry. The aim of the proposed schemes, for which £26 million has been provided, is to enable the pig industry to restore its long-term viability. It is intended that the scheme will have three elements—a total exodus element, an outgoers element and a restructuring element for those who wish to remain in pig production. Northern Ireland will receive its share of this aid.

Government have also previously made an extra £400,000 available in Northern Ireland for the better marketing of pigmeat. Discussions are ongoing with the industry as to how best this funding can be utilised.

Government also provide assistance to producers and processors through the Marketing Development Scheme and the Processing and Marketing Scheme respectively.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's range of services to NI industry continue to be available to the pig processing sector.

Selective financial assistance (SFA) from the Industrial Development Board (IDB) may be available for strategic capital projects or revenue investments which meet certain key criteria and which will enhance companies' international competitiveness. In addition to SFA, IDB offers other forms of support in a number of business areas, including the following.

The Business Excellence Programme uses benchmarking to compare business performance against the competition and the best companies in the sector; the International Partnership Programme can help companies achieve global success through a strategic alliance with an overseas company; and Trade International, IDB's marketing arm, offers companies assistance in finding new markets via a programme of participation in overseas trade shows, visits to new overseas target markets, meet-the-buyer events, exporting seminars and the Overseas Trade Adviser Programme. For companies with under 250 employees, Trade International's market entry grant scheme may also be appropriate to stimulate marketing development.

In addition to IDB's range of assistance, the Industrial Research and Technology Unit (IRTU) can offer grant assistance towards eligible R&D and new product development projects. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Training and Employment, through the T &EA, can offer grant assistance for approved training plans via its company development programme.