asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in the deliberations which took place in London regarding increased production for export, special consideration was given to the necessity of ensuring an adequate supply of imported feeding stuffs for the production of poultry, eggs and bacon; and if so, if he will state what quantities of these essential commodities he anticipates will arrive in each quarterly period for the next year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Feeding Stuffs.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I would refer the Deputy to the statement on the subject made by the Tánaiste in the House on the 19th instant, in which it was intimated that owing to serious world shortages of grain it was extremely improbable that there will be any substantial additional supplies of maize to be procured before next year's harvest.
Is the Minister aware that in order to increase the production of eggs poultry-keepers must get a properly balanced ration at an economic price? The same thing applies to pig production. If pig breeders cannot get a proper ration at an economic price, pig breeding will go from bad to worse. During the last four weeks the price of pigs has fallen by 9/- per cwt. live weight. If that is the way we are going to increase pig production, God help poor old Ireland.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will take steps to ensure that no compound feeding stuff for pigs, poultry or live stock, will be put on the market unless it contains a complete balanced ratio approved by his Department, and is guaranteed by the maker to contain the approved ingredients.
No compound feeding stuff may be manufactured by way of trade except under licence granted by me. Such licences are not granted, unless the composition of the feeding stuff is considered satisfactory. It is a condition of all licences that only the ingredients detailed on the licence shall be used and that they shall be used only in the proportions specified.
Is the Minister aware that there are many complaints from poultry-keepers and pig-keepers that the compound feeding stuffs put on the market are not balanced rations and that in many cases they are not composed of the ingredients which they are supposed to contain in proper proportions?
I am not sure if the Minister has received any such complaints.