asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state with reference to the Pigs and Bacon Commission (a) the names and professions of its members; (b) the interests they represent, whether producer, curer or consumer; (c) the salary of each member; (d) the total inclusive cost for the last financial year; (e) the amount of money, if any, standing to its credit and the sources of revenues available; (f) the purposes for which such moneys are utilised; (g) its present duties and functions, and the present purpose it serves in the interest of the pig industry, and (h) whether any investigation or examination has been made regarding the present and future welfare of the industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pigs and Bacon Commission.
The Pigs and Bacon Commission consists of the chairman, Mr. M. J. O'Brien, Barrister-at-Law, and two ordinary members, Messrs. P.A. Rogan, M.R.C.V.S., D.V.S.M., and J. Griffin, both of whom are civil servants. The information asked for at (b) and (c) in the Deputy's question was furnished in my reply to a similar question by him on the 14th June last. As regards (d), (e) and (f), details of its finances for the year ended 31st December, 1943, will be found in the commission's annual statement of accounts for that year, which was presented some time ago to both Houses of the Oireachtas. The commission's sources of revenue and the purposes to which such moneys may be devoted are set out in Part IV of the Pigs and Bacon (Amendment) Act, 1939. As regards (g), I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on the subject on 20th October, 1943. As regards (h), existing conditions and future prospects of the pig industry are constantly under review.
The Minister means to continue to preserve this commission, which has very effectively killed the pig industry?
The Deputy has managed to get in the usual erroneous statement that they have succeeded in Killing the industry. The whole question of the future of the pigs and bacon industry is being considered by the Post-War Emergency Committee. I do not know what they may recommend; I do not know what part of their recommendations I might accept; I do not know what part of my acceptance the Government might agree to, nor what the Dáil might agree to subsequently, but I am sure it will all be decided in good time.
Wait and see.