§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will grant a subsidy to all pig producers in view of the critical financial position of that sector of the farming industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayTo grant a subsidy to all pig producers would be incompatible with the EC's state aid rules. The Government are, however, considering proposals put forward by the National Farmers Unions for a self-financing stabilisation scheme.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to encourage a sales promotion of British bacon in order to assist the critical financial state of the Scottish pig producers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. Friend welcomes the initiative by the industry itself in promoting the British charter bacon scheme, which is succeeding in improving the quality and presentation of British bacon as a whole. The scheme is gathering momentum and should enable the industry to capture a larger share of the market and so improve the outlets for our own producers.