asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the proprietors of Lunham's bacon factory, Cork, have decided to cease production as from the 30th instant, owing to economic disabilities arising from the emergency and from the application of emergency regulations; and, if so, if he is prepared to take any steps to prevent the cessation of an industry which has been in operation for over 111 years and upon which a large number of workers are dependent for their living.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Bacon Factory.
I am aware that Messrs. Lunham Brothers (Cork) Limited have not found it economic for some time to continue in production owing to the general shortage of pigs and the high prices resulting from competition for the available supplies. I discussed the position last January with a deputation which included Cork Parliamentary and labour representatives as well as representatives of the firm and another bacon curing establishment in Cork, and agreed to an arrangement between the two factories which had the effect of maintaining Messrs. Lunham Brothers' business on a limited scale. I understand that the firm has now terminated this arrangement and decided to close down completely.
As long as the present scarcity of pigs lasts, the supplies available for bacon curing factories will not be anything like enough to keep in economic production all the large establishments which were set up when pigs were plentiful. Nothing can be done to maintain all these factories in business short of subsiding them, and this I am not prepared to recommend.
In the event of the factory being reopened, will the Minister endeavour to use his good offices to secure employment in the new factory of people formerly employed there, some of whom had 25 years' service?
If the firm proposes to reopen the factory, it must get a licence, and it is the Minister who must decide the question of the giving of a licence.
But in the case of the firm reopening, or of some other organisation such as the Farmers' Party deciding to reopen it, will the Minister undertake to give favourable consideration to this matter?
Yes. I should be very glad to see that being done.