§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to meet European Commissioner Franz Fischler to discuss the issue of aid being provided to pig farmers to assist with the additional welfare costs imposed on the industry. [111154]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 21 February 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Minister has many discussions with Commissioner Fischler on all manner of topics. The 25W Minister and I discussed state aids in the pig sector with Mr. Fischler in the margins of the Agriculture Council on Monday, 24 January. The Minister, and Mr. Fischler held further discussions in the margins of the NFU AGM on Tuesday, 1 February. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 1 February, any investment by Government must be linked to long-term change in the structure of the industry. It must also be part of an agreed overall strategy; to this end, my officials are in touch with the National Pig Association and others. Further communication with the European Commission will follow the outcome of these discussions.