asked the Minister for Agriculture whether the production quota under the Pigs and Bacon Act has been suspended.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pigs and Bacon Act Production Quota.
The production quota under the Pigs and Bacon Acts has not yet been suspended. The quota which has been fixed by the Pigs and Bacon Commission for the month of February is considered sufficient to absorb the supply of pigs which it is anticipated will be available during the month. The commission are at present considering the question of suspending the production quota at the end of this month. I hope to receive their recommendations in the course of a few days and to come to a decision then in the matter.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware that the commission has to issue a supplementary quota in the middle of this month because, as a result of their fixing an inadequate quota, a glut of pigs manifested itself in Monaghan, where it has frequently done so before, and in other districts also? Does the Minister recollect that he gave this House an undertaking that, if we passed the Pigs and Bacon Bill in the form in which he presented it to us, he would suspend the production quota?
It could not be done any sooner.
But he will do it at the earliest possible date?
Yes.
Very well.