asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will arrange for the Pigs and Bacon Commission to fix a minimum price for bacon pigs that will ensure that the surplus potato crop can be profitably fed to pigs, thereby preventing the glutting of the potato market and providing increased bacon supplies for consumers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price for Bacon Pigs.
I would refer the Deputy to the replies given to his question of the 13th May, 1948, and Deputy Cogan's question of 5th May, 1948. I am of opinion that, at present prices for pigs, potatoes can be profitably utilised by the producers for pig feeding where surplus stocks on hands are in excess of the immediate market requirements.
Does the Minister maintain that the producer has been getting the cost of producing pigs on home-grown food during the past year?
I think that is a somewhat wider question than that which the Deputy set down.
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply I propose to raise the matter on the adjournment.
The subject matter on the adjournment, if allowed, will be the question on the Order Paper.