asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the current situation in the pig industry and the competition from Irish and Danish pigmeat producers, he will consider favourably an increase of the present temporary subsidy of 50p per score and an extension of the period during which it is due to operate.

I have no plans to increase the rate of the temporary subsidy for pigmeat which continues to give substantial help to the pig industry. In the meantime, I am continuing to work for a change in the method of calculation of monetary compensatory amounts for pigmeat which will improve the competitive position of our producers and processors.