§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration has been given to the respective adoption of a deficiency payment system for beef and a feed cost related formula of guaranteed prices for fat pig prices; and what is the situation in respect of EEC obligations concerning the use of these market support techniques.
§ Mr. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reintroduce the feed formula so as to 15W enable pig producers to recoup increased feeding costs.
§ Mr. BishopAs my right hon. Friend said in his speech to the House yesterday the new beef régime in the Community must be a sound one, providing genuine security and an adequate return. An improved system of variable marketing premiums should be introduced which will give producers an assurance of a fair return. As regards a feed cost related formula for pigs I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member on 12th June.—[Vol. 874, c.568–569.]
Tons S.I.T.C. Code Description July-September 1973 July-September 1974 08111 … … Cereal Straw and Husks unprepared or chopped … 2,043 31 08112 … … Mangolds, Swedes, Fodder Roots, Kale and Hay … 14 300 (of which Hay) … (7) (24) Source: Overseas Trade Statistics H.M. Customs.
Figures for October are not yet available. The question of a temporary ban on the export of fodder has been raised in discussions with the National Farmers' Unions and we have agreed to give further consideration to the matter should the need arise.