asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his Department has any figures of the cost of production of pigs on home-produced foods, such as potatoes, compound meals, and separated milk at present, and whether he will take steps to ensure that those persons who are endeavouring to preserve the industry shall get at least their costs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Costs of Pig Production.
The cost of pig production on home-produced foods depends largely on the costs of production of the various foods used. These costs vary from farm to farm and it is not practicable, in present circumstances, to collect figures on which a reliable national average could be based. From such information as is available, however, I would say that the present prices for bacon pigs cover the cost of production where the pig rearers themselves grow most of the food required, and show reasonable efficiency in their methods of production.
Can the Minister say that the Pigs and Bacon Commission accept the statement that it takes 22 cwts. of potatoes to produce 1 cwt. of pork for bacon and, in view of the present market value of 14/- per cwt. for table potatoes and even taking a lower value of 10/- for ware potatoes for pig feeding, does he think the present price for bacon pigs is adequate to cover the cost of production?
I feel quite certain that the Deputy and the Pigs and Bacon Marketing Commission will agree with me that a pig can no more live on 22 cwts. of potatoes than he or I could live on blanc mange.