asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he can take any steps to secure an increase in the price paid for pigs in view of the heavy increase in the cost of feeding stuffs, and whether he is aware that if no increase takes place in pig prices the danger of stocks diminishing will be greatly increased.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Pigs.
It is regretted that having regard to the returns obtainable for bacon in the home and export market it is not possible at present to secure an increased price for pigs.
Does the Minister advert to the fact that if he allowed the stock of pigs virtually to disappear it would be quite impossible to build up a fresh stock when the feeding situation is easier after the harvest is gathered? Would it not be worth while at this time temporarily to subsidise the price of pigs in order to persuade the rapidly dwindling number of producers to keep in the pig business?
It is a big question. Pigs which are finishing now were for a considerable portion of the time fed at a much lower price. If we were to base the price of pigs on the price of feeding stuffs, we would certainly put the price out of reach of any consumer, not to speak of the poorer consumer, because I suppose it would be 200/- per cwt. As to the other question raised by Deputy Dillon, the future production of pigs is being kept in mind and we must do the best we can.
Does the Minister appreciate the gravity of the situation?
Yes.
Bonham porkers were sold in Leitrim last week at 4/- apiece because the people had not got the food to keep them and they either had to get rid of them or kill them. If that spreads through the country, hundreds of people will simply jettison their bonhams and the breeding stock will disappear. What I am suggesting is that the subsidy should be maintained to keep the people in pigs until the harvest comes in, and then let everybody do the best he can. I press the Minister strongly to inquire into the situation before it reaches a stage beyond remedy, and there is that danger now.