asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make representations to the Pigs Marketing Board that at the present high prices of meals and feeding stuffs in the Free State the present price of bacon pigs is unremunerative, and is bound to lead to a shortage, as farmers cannot be expected to go on fattening pigs on which they are losing money.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Pig Feeding Stuffs.
Dr. Ryan
In making their price orders the Pigs Marketing Board have regard to the cost of feeding stuffs in accordance with the statutory obligations imposed on them by Section 140 of the Pigs and Bacon Act, 1935. I am not, therefore, prepared to make to the board representations of the nature suggested by the Deputy.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is it true that he received a deputation yesterday in connection with this very matter, and gave that deputation an undertaking that he would make representations to the Pigs Marketing Board?
Dr. Ryan
Perhaps the Deputy is referring to a deputation from pig producers which I received a week ago?
Yes.
Dr. Ryan
I gave them the same reply as I gave here.
Is it not true that it was reported in the Government-kept paper that the Minister said he would make representations?