§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated addition to public expenditure arising from the decision to continue with the deadweight payment of 50p a score on fat pigs.
§ Mr. BuchanThe extra cost will depend on decisions to be taken in the light of the further discussion of the pig situation to be held at the EEC Council of Ministers (Agriculture) on 17th.18th June.
§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the decision to continue with the producer subsidy of 50p a score on pigs is being matched by similar arrangements in respect of Eire pigs; and from what sources the respective subsidies are being paid.
§ Mr. BuchanSimilar arrangements are being made in respect of pigs in the Irish 453W Republic. Payments in the United Kingdom are made from Exchequer funds and in the Irish Republic from Community funds.
§ Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take action to prevent the practice of restraining pigs in slings until they develop stomach ulcers.
§ Mr. MoyleI am not aware of any current practice which would be likely to have that effect. If the hon. Member has seen it, and will let me have details, I will make inquiries.
§ Mr. Gwynoro Jonesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the number of pigs slaughtered in January to April 1974, together with the corresponding figures for 1973.
§ Mr. BuchanThe following is the information:
PIGS SLAUGHTERED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 1973 '000 head 1974 January … … 1,422* 1,468* February … … 1,166 1,240 March … … 1,176 1,258 April … … 1,420* 1,520* * Five-week months.