asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is a demand for bacon produced from the Ulster breed of pigs which is not being met by the curers at present, and that a co-operative factory is being started at Cootehill, part of whose business will be to cure Ulster pigs to meet this demand; and if he will give an assurance that his Department will discontinue the policy of stamping out the Ulster breed so that a supply may be available when required.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ulster Breed of Pigs.
I have no information as to an unfilled demand for rolled bacon, which, I presume, is what the Deputy has in mind. This is not as remunerative a trade as that in Wiltshire sides and I am, therefore, not prepared to discontinue the policy of discouraging the breeding of Ulster pigs.
As to the co-operative factory at Cootehill; steps are being taken to provide a factory for the export of pork only.
Is the Minister aware that the bacon imported from Northern Ireland is principally manufactured from the Ulster pig?
We do not import any bacon.
Would the Minister cousult pig producers and bacon consumers as to the class of bacon which should be produced?