All statistics are potentially dangerous, as UK pig buyers are beginning to realise while they watch the narrowing gap between the prices they pay and the EU average. Purchasers led by Malton, Glanbia and Dalehead can point out their contracts are about 25% more generous than at the beginning of the year, but this is prompting some producers to ask why the British market uptrend has not matched the increases of nearly 40% enjoyed by their Danish and Dutch competitors. Buyers can only hope to pacify suppliers by emphasing the price here is still higher than in most comparable continental markets and in Ireland. {{MEAT }}