HC Deb 19 May 1977 vol 932 cc221-2W
3. Mr. Corbett

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with present returns to pig producers; and if he will make a statement.

29. Mr. Newton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current situation in the pig sector of the farming industry.

32. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the state of the United Kingdom pig industry.

Mr. John Silkin

I recognise that pig producers' returns have not kept pace with rising costs, particularly of feed, in the last year. I have taken action to help the industry by introducing a temporary subsidy and by securing reductions in the monetary compensatory amounts applied to pigmeat imports. I propose to continue my efforts in the Council of Ministers to negotiate a different basis of calculation of these amounts which will reduce them further, and improve the competitive position of our producers.

19. Mr. Lawrence

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current level of the pig breeding herd.

21. Mr. Walters

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further plans he has to arrest the decline of the pig sector of the agriculture industry.

Mr. John Silkin

According to the latest sample survey conducted in March, the total breeding herd of sows and gilts in pig in England and Wales was 819,000 head, 5 per cent. below the level of December 1976 but 0.4 per cent. above the level of March 1976. I remain of the view that the best way to help the industry is to secure a further reduction in the monetary compensatory amounts paid on our imports of pigmeat, and, as I have said, I intend to continue to press for this.

22. Mr. Crawford

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the pig industry.

Mr. John Silkin

I have had representations from all sectors of the industry drawing attention to its difficulties and urging further Government action to assist the industry. I have made clear my intention to continue to press for a reduction in the level of monetary compensatory amounts applied to pigmeat imports.