asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, owing to the large margin of profit allowed to the retail bacon trade under the scale of prices fixed by his Department, traders are purchasing large quantities of illegally cured bacon at prices in excess of the fixed price of 200/- per cwt. payable to bacon curers; if he is further aware that many bacon factories will be compelled to close down as a result of supplies being diverted to illegal curers, arising from the increased prices paid by them for bacon to be sold in excess of the fixed prices; and if he will, accordingly, take steps either: (a) to reduce the prices at present allowed to the retail bacon trade so as to enable the bacon factories to compete with the illegal curers; or (b) to remove the price control compelling curers to sell to the retail bacon trade at 200/- per cwt.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Bacon.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. The margin of profit which is allowed to the retail trade on bacon sales is related to the supply position and, having regard to the limited available supplies, I could not agree that it is excessive. It will, however, be reviewed from time to time. I have no information that retailers are purchasing bacon at prices in excess of the controlled price, but if the Deputy will furnish particulars of any such case of which he may have knowledge I will have the matter investigated.
I am aware that bacon factories generally are experiencing difficulty in maintaining production in present circumstances. The difficulties which confront bacon curers in this matter are attributable primarily to the shortage of pigs and to the exceptionally high prices which are being paid for pigs. It is unlikely that there will be any considerable increase in the pig population until such time as supplies of feeding stuffs become more plentiful. The bacon curers should, however, when purchasing pigs for curing have regard to the present controlled price of bacon. It is not proposed to increase the price at which the bacon factories may sell bacon, or to abolish price control.
The illegal curing of bacon is the concern of the Pigs and Bacon Commission.
Would the Minister consider eliminating the Pigs and Bacon Commission or of sending it to Nicaragua when, possibly, something might be done to remedy the abuses to which Deputy Moran refers?
No.
It is a pity you would not.