§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the pig industry; what steps he is taking to address the concerns of the industry; and if he will make a statement. [53451]
§ Mr. MacdonaldMy noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State recently met representatives of the Scottish Pig Industry to discuss the problems which the industry is facing at present. These problems essentially stem from over supply on the European market due to substantial expansion—including vigorous expansion in Scotland—when prices were strong. Contraction in the industry as a whole is inevitable and restructuring will be necessary. My noble Friend has commissioned a study into the Scottish industry which should assist the restructuring process. He has also called on the public, on retailers and caterers to back farm assured pigmeat and pigmeat products.