Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new measures of support for the pig industry were introduced during the past six months; what assessment he has made of the (i) current situation and (ii) situation one year ago in the pig industry; and if he will make a statement. [94824]
§ Mr. George HowarthNo new measures of support for the pig industry have been introduced during the past six months.
Government are unable to directly aid the sector as such assistance would be in breach of European Union State Aid rules.
Government are very aware of the crisis in the pig industry. Although returns to pig producers have increased over the past year they still do not cover production costs.
Government will continue to liaise closely with the industry and the EU Commission to seek solutions, compatible with EU State Aid rules, to the current difficulties. In the interim every effort will be made to ensure that United Kingdom retailers and consumers fully appreciate the excellent quality and high welfare standards of British produced pigs.