SNP must not ignore concerns of Scotland's pig industry - McArthur (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

SNP must not ignore concerns of Scotland's pig industry - McArthur

February 5, 2009 9:34 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has urged the Scottish Government to act on concerns put forward by industry stakeholders and do more to support Scotland's pig industry.

The Rural Affairs Committee today (Wednesday) heard concerns over the decline in Scotland's pig breeding herd and have agreed to produce a report and recommendations in the near future.

Commenting after the Committee meeting, Mr McArthur said:

"Liberal Democrats want to see the Scottish Government do more to restore confidence in Scotland's pig industry. We know that the sow numbers in Scotland are declining, but so far Ministers have given only half hearted support to this vital industry.

"The Scottish Government have created an atmosphere of bad faith with Scotland's pig industry by ignoring many of the recommendations put forward by the Pig Sector Task Force.

"Ministers cannot continue to ignore the concerns of Scotland's pig industry. I look forward to the Committee setting out clearly what steps Ministers can take to support this valuable sector of Scotland's agricultural industry, particularly during the current economic crisis."