asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that pig producers in certain parts of the country complain they have no market for pigs between 9 and 12 stone (the pigs that command top price) as the curers refuse to take them, causing serious loss and inconvenience to the producers, and whether he will seek powers to compel bacon-curers to take what is offered in such cases or failing that to pay a price, not less than the fixed price on the class refused, for the next class down in the scale of prices as fixed by the Pigs Marketing Board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Pigs.
Dr. Ryan
No complaints have been received as to difficulty in marketing pigs between the weights mentioned in the Deputy's question. I understand, however, that one bacon curer refused to accept pigs of the Ulster breed of under 12 stone weight but was prepared to accept pigs of the Irish large white breed of any weight. This situation will disappear very shortly owing to the fact that supplies of pigs are beginning to get scarce in Northern areas and the Ulster pig will, it is hoped, be replaced very shortly by the Irish large white.
For these reasons, and apart from any other considerations. I do not think it is necessary to seek the powers referred to in the latter portion of the Deputy's question.
Is the Minister aware that in County Cavan and other Northern counties there is no sale for pigs between 9 and 12 stone? Does he deny the statements made by me, by the county committee of agriculture and by pig-producing and farming organisations?
Dr. Ryan
I have just answered that question.