HC Deb 21 January 1981 vol 997 cc183-4W
Mr. Charles Irving

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his analysis of the reasons for the extensive import of British pigs by the Republic of Ireland; whether such animals attract a European Economic Community subsidy when they cross the border; and, if so, who benefits financially.

Mr. Adam Butler

The increased sales of pigs to the Irish Republic in 1980 follow the change from United Kingdom negative to United Kingdom positive monetary compensatory amounts. Since April 1980 exports to the Irish Republic have attracted increasing monetary compensatory amount payments, which in December 1980 averaged about £6.5 per 100 kg. liveweight. These payments are made to the exporters of the pigs.