asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is an acute shortage of bacon in retail shops in Dublin; and if there is any prospect of increased supplies in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Bacon.
I am aware that supplies of bacon in Dublin and throughout the country generally are considerably below normal requirements. I regret that there is no early prospect of increased supplies being available.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of a general shortage of bacon for some time past in the provincial towns; whether any bacon has been exported recently; if so, to what extent and to what countries; and whether it is the intention to continue the export of bacon in view of severe shortage in this country.
I am aware that for some time past supplies of bacon have not been sufficient to meet demand in provincial towns or throughout the country generally. No bacon has been exported since the 30th September, 1941, save in accordance with arrangements made under the Government's Scheme for the Relief of Distress in Europe. Under that scheme exports during the current financial year have, so far, been as follows:—2,002 cwt. to Ukraine, 2,029 cwt. to Austria, 3,864 cwt. to Poland, and 8,997 cwt. to the International Committee for the Relief of Civilian Populations in Europe. To complete the allocations already made under the relief scheme it will be necessary to continue exports to the Continent for some time.
Is the Minister aware that people living in towns where bacon factories are working at full time cannot secure, at any price, even 1 lb. of bacon and, in view of the seriousness of the position, will the Minister assure the House that such exports of bacon will not occur in future and that we will give the supplies of bacon that are at our disposal to our own people?
Does that apply to Monaghan?
Will the Minister say that no further supplies will be allocated for such purposes?
We must carry out our present commitments, anyhow.
The foreigner before our people, for bacon.
Will the Minister say what percentage of the total amount of bacon leaving the factories is exported to Europe?
The total amount sent to the Continent is not very much more than a month's supply here.
Would the Minister say what percentage is exported?
What we send is about a month's supply here, that is, about one-twelfth.
Is that a month's supply of the present supply or of the pre-war supply?
A month's supply of the present supply.