§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the number of pig farmers that(a) are eligible and (b) will participate in an outgoers scheme. [129399]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 6 July 2000]: In general terms, all pig producers who can show they were involved in commercial pig breeding in June 1998 are eligible to take part in the outgoers element of the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme. There may, however, be further conditions applied as a result of the recently concluded consultation exercise on this part of the scheme and by the terms of the European Commission's clearance document. No formal estimate on the number of pig farmers likely to take part has been made.
§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria he has established for eligibility for a pig farmers' outgoers scheme; and when these will be announced. [129397]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 6 July 2000]: As things stand, the eligibility criteria for the outgoers element of the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme is that applicant must be able to show they were involved in commercial pig breeding in June 1998, that they have pig breeding facilities to destroy or dismantle and that they are prepared to enter into binding undertakings to cease pig production for a minimum of 10 years. These criteria may, however, change as a result of the recently concluded consultation exercise on this part of the scheme or to comply with the views of the European Commission. The final terms of the scheme will be announced following European Commission clearance.
§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received regarding an outgoers scheme for pig farmers; and if he will make a statement. [129400]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 6 July 2000]: We have received a number of representations from hon. Members of this House and others regarding the outgoers element of the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme (PIRS). This part of PIRS has also just completed its consultation period and responses to that consultation are being assessed, pending clearance of the scheme by the Commission.