HC Deb 03 February 1988 vol 126 cc653-4W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current level of profitability in the pig industry in(a) England and (b) Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The pigmeat market is weak thoughout the European Community and the United Kingdom. The EC Pigmeat Management Committee, responding to pressure from the United Kingdom and other member states, has recently decided to reintroduce a scheme of aids for private storage. I hope this decision will help to strengthen the market.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list in theOfficial Report the changes that have occurred in United Kingdom pig prices since October 1987.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Monthly average all pigs prices in the United Kingdom since October 1987 have been as follows:

p/kg deadweight
October 97.63
November 96.10
December 94.11
January 190.47
1 To 23 January only.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will consider immediate introduction of a low cost private storage scheme for pig producers.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The Pigmeat Management Committee has decided to reintroduce aids for private storage as from 15 February. This decision was taken as a result of pressure from the United Kingdom and some other member states.