asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether any decision has yet been made regarding the withdrawal of the factory quota for pigs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory Quota for Pigs.
The quota for pigs was introduced to secure the stabilisation of pig prices through an equitable distribution of pigs amongst bacon factories. Owing to the diminished supply of pigs now available I think the advantages are with the continuation of factory quotas.
The Minister, on a former occasion here, promised the House to look into this matter. Has he now decided not to vary the decision with regard to the quota?
Not under existing circumstances.
Not under the existing circumstances?
No.
Am I to assume, from the Minister's answer, that in exceptional circumstances the Minister would be prepared to consent to a departure from the strict letter of the regulation with regard to the factory quota as it obtains in existing circumstances?
The position is a very difficult one, and changes from day to day. I do not know whether or not the position might warrant a change next week. I am just saying that at the moment I think the advantages are on the side of the continuation of factory quotas.
Does the Minister not realise that the existing quota system may mean that seven or eight farmers may travel six or seven miles with pigs to the local factory, and then find that the local factory has exhausted its quota; that they will then have to carry their pigs back six or seven miles to their homes, and afterwards six or seven miles to the railhead in order to send the pigs to some distant part of the country where a factory has a quota? Will the Minister say that in exceptional circumstances the system would be varied in connection with small factories to the extent that small quantities of local pigs will be permitted to be taken in excess of the quota fixed, under supervision?
Will the Minister say whether he has examined the number of pigs that are being purchased by the Pigs Commission? Has the number fallen off?
No.
No. The commission are not buying pigs at all. No pigs are being offered.
They are not buying at present?
No.
In other words, the factories would take them?
Yes, if they could get them. In answer to Deputy Dillon's question, I wish to say that everything will be done to ensure that no producer will be asked to take back his pigs from the factory.
That is very reasonable.