HC Deb 18 November 1976 vol 919 c673W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there has been a decline in the size of the national pig herd during 1976; and what action he has taken and is taking to secure an improvement in the position.

Mr. Bishop

Both the June 1976 census results and the September 1976 sample inquiry for England and Wales showed that the size of the pig breeding herd had increased compared with a year earlier but there has recently been an increase in sow slaughterings. Our main concern is to secure agreement in the Community to a fairer basis for calculating monetary compensatory amounts on imports of bacon and other pigmeat products. This would be good both for United Kingdom processors and pig producers. The recently agreed reduction of 8 per cent. in these amounts is a step in the right direction, but my right hon. Friend will be pressing hard for further changes.

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