asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in relation to a first quality average weight bacon pig (a) the present price paid to the producer at the price fixed by the Pigs and Bacon Commission; (b) the gross amount realised when retailed at the prices fixed by the commission; and (c) the amount at (b) apportioned as between the curer and retailer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Prices.
Fixed prices have been replaced by minimum prices for pigs since 4th October, 1943. As a result, prices paid for bacon pigs vary from time to time consequent on the position with regard to supply and demand. As regards (b) and (c), retail prices are not fixed by the commission and I cannot supply the information asked for under these heads.
What useful purpose is served, or what advantage is gained, by having the minimum price, where there is a substantial difference between the actual price paid and that minimum price?
Nobody can pay less than that price, anyway.