HC Deb 04 November 1976 vol 918 c673W
37. Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the present state of the pig industry; and what further action he proposes to take to alleviate the present situation facing British producers.

Mr. Bishop

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Howells) on 15th October.—[Vol. 917, c.229.]

Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take relating to the recommendation contained in the letter of 24th September sent to him by the Council of Quality Pig Producer's Association.

Mr. Bishop

My right hon. Friend put to the Council of Ministers a proposal to introduce a fairer method of calculating monetary compensatory amounts for pigmeat. He has already secured a small change to come into effect on 8th November which will reduce these amounts by about 8 per cent. This was as far as the Commission could go within existing Community rules. We shall continue to press in the Council for a more radical change.