asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, owing to the scarcity of pigs, he will have formulated a scheme which will enable small farmers to procure young sows at a cheap rate, in order to increase the present pig population.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Production.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has under consideration, in the near future, any scheme that would encourage an increase in pig production.
I am taking questions Nos. 23 and 24 together. The Pigs and Bacon Commission has at present under consideration a scheme for the purchase and distribution of a number of breeding sows.
Would the Minister consider giving a guaranteed price for a period every year? I admit that pig production may have slightly increased inside a period of two months, but it is doubtful if it will continue after Christmas. I certainly recommend the Minister to do something in the line of a guaranteed price, for at least a period of two years, if people are to be encouraged to go in for pig production. If that is not done, there will be the risk that, after Christmas, the position will go back to that of last year.
Would the Minister look into the circumstance which creates the situation existing at present, in which pigs are being sold for 160/- per cwt. in one town and 132/- per cwt. in a town not 100 miles away?
I think the Deputy has a question down on that.
For to-morrow. I am preparing him for it to-day.
As it is down for to-morrow, it cannot be forestalled to-day.
I wish to add my voice and ask the Minister to do something in this way to increase pig production.