HC Deb 23 May 1974 vol 874 cc213-4W
27. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as over the last three months the average market price for fat pigs has fallen by 15 per cent. and as the cost of pig feed compounds has risen by 60 per cent. in the last year, what proposals he has made in reply to the three-point programme put forward by the President of the NFU; and what action he intends to take now.

33. Mr. MacGregor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now take action designed to restore confidence in the future viability of their industry for pig producers.

Mr. Buchan

We have provided a major cash injection of at least some £15 million through the special pig subsidy, and my right hon. Friend announced yesterday that the 50p per score rate of subsidy will continue until he has been able to discuss the situation with his colleagues in the EEC Council of Ministers. Also, monetary compensatory amounts on our pig meat imports were more than halved on 1st May. As my right hon. Friend's announcement yesterday demonstrates, we are aware that the immediate situation facing pig producers is still one of difficulty, and there will, no doubt, be a full discussion about this at the next EEC Council meeting.

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