asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the measures indicated by him in reply to a question of the 9th November, 1949, have not sufficed to ensure to farmers 190/- per cwt. for high grade bacon pigs not exceeding 14 stone dead weight, and if so, whether he will state what further measures he proposes to take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Pigs.
I am aware that in the past week a number of the principal bacon curers were offering 190/- per cwt. for pigs of the highest grade, and in fact in the current week one firm has advertised as high as 192/- per cwt. In the circumstances special measures, as suggested by the Deputy, do not appear to be called for.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if the Minister is still of the opinion that he was last June when he stated that farmers should get 190/- per cwt. for pigs weighing up to 14 stone? The Parliamentary Secretary, in his reply, stated that one firm advertised yesterday to the effect that they were paying 190/-. The same firm have an advertisement to-day saying that they are not paying 190/- for pigs of the particular weight mentioned. If the Minister has changed his mind since last June, will the Parliamentary Secretary tell us what considerations influenced him in that direction? I want to tell the Parliamentary Secretary that I can produce a number of dockets from some of the principal bacon curers in this country which will prove quite conclusively that they are not paying the rates stated by the Minister last June.
The Deputy is imparting, not looking for, information.
It seems necessary.
It is disorderly, but not intentionally.
I cannot tell the Deputy what is in the Minister's mind.
And nobody else can.
A number of bacon factories have advertised that they are prepared to take pigs of the stated weight and pay 190/- per cwt. There is one instance of a firm which is prepared to pay 192/-.
Every producer knows that is a joke.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, since the Minister for Agriculture made his statement last June that farmers could expect 190/- for pigs weighing 14 stone, the farmers are not getting that price, while at the same time the price of bacon sold by the bacon curers has been considerably increased? Does the Parliamentary Secretary or the Minister think that it is a right thing that the bacon curers can reduce the price of bacon pigs by £1 per cwt. and at the same time increase the price of bacon to consumers?
While not accepting the Deputy's statement that bacon prices have been considerably increased I do not think the bacon curers should pay lower than the stated price. I understand that the prices of certain types of bacon have increased, but that on the other hand the prices of other quality bacon have been reduced.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if the advertisement referred to is the one that appeared in the paper yesterday from O'Mara's stating that they were prepared to pay 190/- for pigs weighing 14 stone, and whether he has seen their advertisement in to-day's papers to the effect that they are not paying 190/- for pigs weighing 14 stone?
I did not see the advertisement.