§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the extra costs per pig imposed on pig breeders which arise from animal welfare arrangements in Britain which are not imposed in other EU countries; and if he will provide compensation for these costs. [99292]
§ Ms QuinNo recent estimates have been made but at the time the decision was taken to improve pig animal welfare standards in the UK, it was decided that the costs should not be compensated by the taxpayer. My right hon. Friend the Minister and I do, however, continue to urge purchasers of pigmeat to source to UK welfare and other standards.