asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the price of Indian meal is now 11/3 per cwt. retail and that the production of pigs will become uneconomic unless the fixed price for pigs is increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Pigs.
As the Deputy is probably aware, the Pigs Marketing Board has within the past week fixed increased prices for pigs.
Is the Minister aware that purveyors of Indian meal have increased the price of Indian meal by 1/- per cwt. since the Pigs Marketing Board raised the price of pigs?
I do not think so.
The price of Indian meal is now 12/- per cwt. and 12/6 in West Donegal, and on that basis pig producing is not economic.
I got a quotation from a merchant unasked to the effect that he was moving down the price.
Is the Minister aware that the price of Indian meal delivered in Ballaghaderreen is £11 17s. 6d., that I am selling it at 12/- per cwt., and that in West Donegal it is being sold for 12/6? That is the price the farmer has to pay, not the price quoted f.o.b. or in waggon loads to the Minister. The price he has to pay is the price which the shopkeeper charges and he cannot charge less than he has paid. That is the price at present and anyone telling the Minister anything else is making a fool of him.