asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the prices now paid to producers for bacon pigs do not cover the cost of production and if he will immediately fix a fair minimum price for pigs based on the cost of feeding stuffs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Pigs.
The cost of pig production depends almost entirely on the supply and price of feeding stuffs. Where farmers themselves grow the bulk of the food required I am inclined to think that the present prices for bacon pigs cover the costs of production.
As regards the second part of the question, in my opinion the fixing of a new minimum price for pigs would not be warranted in existing circumstances. I am satisfied that the decline in pig production which has been proceeding for some years past is not due to low pig prices but to the scarcity of feeding stuffs and the uncertainty as to future supplies which have to be obtained from outside sources. My policy is to import much larger quantities of maize at a lower price than now obtains. If my efforts in that direction are successful the fixing of minimum pig prices can then be considered in an atmosphere of reality, and will be undertaken with a view to ensuring an attractive profit for all producers who reduce their costs of production to the minimum by exercising the maximum efficiency in their production methods.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that the present cost of production based on home-produced feeding stuffs leaves no margin of profit whatever in pig producing, but rather a very substantial loss? The Minister has stated that he is anxious to import feeding stuffs at a cheaper rate, but pending the importation of feeding stuffs at a cheaper rate, must the farmer continue to suffer a loss on the production of pigs? I want to ask the Minister why it is that the wheat grower is guaranteed a price for his wheat for the next five years while the pig producer is not guaranteed any price.
Substantially the answer is that pigs will pay profits without subsidies whereas wheat never could. I confidently anticipate that pigs will very, very shortly be paying such a profit that it would be inexpedient to direct the attention of the community to the margin of profit which the producer will have.
Is the Minister aware, or can the Minister definitely state that pigs are paying a profit to the producer at the present time? I know perfectly well that they are making a loss and the Minister knows it too.
Would the Minister state if his intention to import increased supplies of maize is due to any withdrawal of international restrictions on the importation of maize as a feeding stuff for animals?
That question of Deputy Lemass is one which could be addressed with more propriety to the Minister for Industry and Commerce, but the fact that we will get larger supplies of cheaper maize is certain.