§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many live pigs for slaughter have been imported from Ireland in recent months and what was the reason for these imports.
§ Mr. RossThe number of live pigs imported into Great Britain from October, 1967 onward is shown in the following table:
Imports of pigs (all swine) from the Irish Republic (head) 1967 October 234 November 2,759 December 871 1968 January 555 I understand that few, if any, of these pigs were landed at Scottish ports.
Normally, very few live pigs are imported into Britain from the Irish Republic, the numbers for the first three quarters of 1967 being 242, 184 and 92, respectively. Because of a strike affecting their bacon factories, the Irish Government introduced in October, 1967 a temporary subsidy for bacon pigs above 185 1bs. sent for export. The subsidy was withdrawn in November.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding recent imports from Ireland of live pigs for slaughter; and what reply he has sent.
§ Mr. RossThe National Farmers' Union of Scotland wrote to my Department on 31st January, 1968 expressing concern about these subsidised imports and about the possibility of a recurrence. A reply was sent on 15th February. I have arranged for copies of this correspondence to be sent to the hon. Member.