asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that bacon curers propose to reduce the price of bacon pigs, weighing over 1 cwt. and 3 qrs. by from 4/- to £3 10s. 0d. per cwt., and that by operating a system of payment for pigs by "Grade" and "Class", in the past, they were enabled to make over £300,000 excess profit; and, if so, whether he will take steps to see that producers will not be again exploited and ensure that any reduction in the price of bacon pigs will be passed on to the consumer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Bacon Pigs.
I am not aware that any such decision has been made by bacon curers generally or by their association.
Any unfair treatment of pig producers will, of course, raise the question of taking effective countermeasures.
Is the Minister aware that the bacon curers have published a large advertisement in the Cork Examiner on a number of occasions stating that they are going to adopt the method outlined in the question, and is he further aware that a pig weighing 2 cwts. 15 lbs. will be worth in this country £12 10s. 0d. and £22 19s. 3d. across the border or across the Channel?
I am aware that certain bacon curers had an advertisement in the Cork Examiner—more than one. Inquiries disclosed that that advertisement was not authorised by the Bacon Curers' Association. Inquiries are still proceeding.