asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what is the bacon quota to retailers and what is the cause of the present scarcity of bacon; also whether consumers may expect increased supplies at an early date.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Supply.
Since February last the Pigs and Bacon Commission has been operating a scheme to secure an equitable distribution of available bacon supplies through wholesalers and retailers. Each month the Commission fixes a quota for distributors which is based on their average monthly supplies in the year ended 31st March, 1941. Shortage of feeding stuffs has led to a decline in the number of pigs available for curing into bacon, but feed is now less scarce and there are signs of a revival in the pig rearing industry. The number of pigs sent to factories for curing during the last two months has been appreciably greater than in the corresponding period of last year.
Is the Minister aware that shopkeepers have been informed by their wholesalers this week that their quota—the quantity they received last month—is being reduced this month? If that is so, what is the cause? The shopkeepers were informed some time ago that there was a likelihood of an increased supply. Will the Minister indicate why there is a decrease?
I really do not know. All I can say is that whatever bacon is there will be distributed.
Then the shopkeepers are right in telling their customers that the wholesalers are not giving them any more—is that correct?
I really could not say, but I suppose that is right.
Will the Minister make inquiries and find out why the quota is being reduced still further from last month?
Is the Minister aware that the very same complaint as has been mentioned by Deputy Byrne exists in the south side of the city? Does the Minister know why there will be a smaller supply of bacon for Dublin this month?
The quota is decided upon by the Pigs and Bacon Commission, after taking into account the amount of bacon held in stock by the curers, future needs, and the trend of pig production. I take it the Pigs and Bacon Commission have allocated whatever they think will be available for the month.
If foodstuffs are more plentiful, why should there be a fall in the supply of bacon available for Dublin?
It will take some time before the supply of foodstuffs will have effect, but there is evidence of an increase in the number of pigs for the past few months.
Are we putting any bacon into cold storage?
I would not say into cold storage, but there is a necessity to limit slightly the supply for October and November so as to have a good supply available over the winter.
To carry it on?
Yes.