HC Deb 10 February 2000 vol 344 cc284-5W
12. Mr. Brake

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce further measures to support exports of pigmeat. [107892]

Mr. Nick Brown

I have made representations to the Agriculture Commissioner in Brussels to increase export refunds as a way of proving additional support to the pig sector.

18. Mr. Leigh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on state aid to the pig sector. [107899]

Ms Quin

We are well aware of the representations that continue to be made for some form of aid to be introduced as compensation for what the industry sees as the imposition of unfair additional costs as a result of BSE. This matter has been discussed many times with the pig industry. The points they are making are well understood, but this is not an easy issue. The cost would be considerable and it would have to conform with strict EU rules. Communications with the European Commission have shown how difficult this would be. This is an issue which Ministers have looked at very closely and will continue to do so. As the Prime Minister said on 1 February any investment by Government must be linked to long-term change in the structure of the industry. It must also be part of an agrees overall strategy; to this end, my officials are in touch with the National Pig Association and others.

19. Mr. Jack

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions has he had with(a) producers and (b) others on the problems facing the United Kingdom pig industry. [107900]

Ms Quin

Ministers are in frequent contact with a number of organisations representing producers and others to discuss the state of the UK pig industry. We have also discussed this matter with the European Agriculture Commissioner.

Mr. Colvin

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress made towards an EU-wide ban on the stall and tether system for raising pigs. [108601]

Mr. Morley

The EU Commission's proposals for a new Directive on pig welfare are well overdue. Its Scientific Veterinary Committee's report, on which these proposals must be based, was published in 1997, and we lose no opportunity to remind the Commission of the need for progress in this area.

Forward to