asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will grant a subsidy to all pig producers in view of the critical financial position of that sector of the farming industry; and if he will make a statement.

To grant a subsidy to all pig producers would be incompatible with the EC's state aid rules. The Government are, however, considering proposals put forward by the National Farmers Unions for a self-financing stabilisation scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to encourage a sales promotion of British bacon in order to assist the critical financial state of the Scottish pig producers; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend welcomes the initiative by the industry itself in promoting the British charter bacon scheme, which is succeeding in improving the quality and presentation of British bacon as a whole. The scheme is gathering momentum and should enable the industry to capture a larger share of the market and so improve the outlets for our own producers.