§ 87. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the low beef prices caused by the recent imports of Argentine beef have caused parallel reductions in the price of pork pigs, with the result that Government subsidies for pig production in this country will be substantially increased; whether he will give an estimate of the increased subsidies which are likely to result; and whether he will now formulate a plan for the better control of all meat imports.
§ Mr. SoamesThe pork market is affected by the present weakness of the beef and bacon markets, coupled with the current high level of home production. The cost of the pigs guarantee for 1962–63 is expected to be within the published estimate of £57.3 million. It would be premature to speculate on the outturn for 1963–64 which depends on the12W pattern of the market over the year as a whole.
We are considering the whole problem of achieving a proper balance between home and imported supplies as part of the reappraisal of agricultural support policy foreshadowed in the Prime Minister's statement on 11th February.