Malton Foods' problems are not due to foot and mouth and the other reasons given in the Evening Press (June 5). Like the farmers who supply them with pigs, they have been ignored by the Government and dominated by the large supermarkets.

Pig farmers cannot produce cheap pigs when they have to comply with all the extra rules imposed by government and supermarkets.

What chance do pig farmers have when a company as big as Malton Foods cannot make a profit?

They have excellent facilities but have been forced to import meat rather than use British simply because it is cheaper.

Fred Henley,

Green Farm,

Southfield Lane,

Seaton Ross,

York.

Updated: 10:28 Thursday, June 07, 2001