To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to consult other European Economic Community members both on a formal and informal basis as to the removal of monetary compensatory amounts to help the pig farming industry.

I raised this issue in the opening discussions on the Commission's price proposals which took place at the meeting of the Agricultural Council on 28/29 March. I stressed the acute problems faced by United Kingdom pig producers and that pigmeat MCAs were producing distortions in competition. I urged an immediate complete devaluation for the green pound in this sector, as part of the price-fixing proposals.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to the attitude of other European Economic Community countries to monetary compensatory amounts.

A number of member states are seeking MCA changes.