HC Deb 03 July 1975 vol 894 cc510-1W
35. Mr. Michael Shaw

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what percentage the national pig herd fell between February 1974 and March 1975; what this means in terms of tonnage of pigmeat lost; and if he will take steps designed to ensure adequate supplies to the consumer.

Mr. Bishop

Information in the form requested is not available, but between April 1974 and April 1975 the size of the total United Kingdom pig herd declined by 13 per cent. In the same period the pig breeding herd declined by 10 per cent., implying a fall in annual production of pigmeat of approximately 85,000 tons. Market prices for pigs are substantially above the low levels of 1974 and feed prices are lower. This should encourage producers to increase the breeding herd in line with the objective of securing increased output which was described in the White Paper "Food from our own Resources" (Cmnd. 6020).