§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the Government's present proposals for the extension of the import levy system do not include imports of pigs and pigment.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartI do not consider this appropriate at present as imports of bacon are regulated by the Bacon Market Sharing Understanding and we are virtually self-sufficient in pork.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how his proposals for import levies on beef and on mutton and lamb will maintain the net income which producers of store cattle and store sheep in hill and upland areas can earn under the present system of agricultural support.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe levy schemes to be introduced for beef and veal and for mutton and lamb are intended to improve the method of agricultural support and reduce the cost to the tax payer. Producers of store cattle and store sheep will benefit from higher market prices for fatstock. In addition, there are other forms of Government support which contribute towards the net incomes of store livestock producers in hill and upland areas.