§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect on live-weight sales of fat pigs as a result of restrictions arising from swine vesicular disease; what consultations he has had with farming interests on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThere has been some inconvenience to the trade, and local problems have had to be ironed out; but the restrictions do not appear to have affected the number of liveweight sales of fat pigs significantly. These have generally been higher than a year previously.
The National Farmers Union has been kept fully informed of the measures being taken and my right hon. Friend is confident that the restrictions have the full support of the industry.