asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the number of prosecutions by the Pigs and Bacon Commission for illegal curing of bacon since 1st January, 1949; (2) the number of applications for registration as pork dealers and as manufacturers of pork by-products in the same period; (3) the present minimum price for pork pigs and the measures taken to enforce it; (4) the schemes, other than that for the distribution of sows, being operated by the commission for the improvement of the quality of pigs for the manufacture of bacon, and (5) the number of sows distributed since the 1st January, 1949.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pigs and Bacon Commission.
The particulars requested by the Deputy are as follows:—
(1) The number of prosecutions for the illegal production of bacon in the period from 1st January to 2nd December, 1949, was 18.
(2) In the same period 419 applications were received for registration in the Register of Pork Dealers and five for registration in the Register of Manufacturers of Pork By-Products.
(3) The present minimum prices for pigs, per cwt., dead-weight, are:—
|
s. |
d. |
|
|
Class I (Carcases weighing not less than 1c. 0q. 14lb. and not more than 1c. 3q. 7lb. |
125 |
0 |
|
Class II (Carcases weighing less than 1c. 0q. 14lb. and more than 1c. 3q. 7lb. |
110 |
0 |
|
Class III (Carcase of a sow of any weight) |
90 |
0 |
Curers who purchased pigs at less than the minimum prices have been required to refund the difference between the prices paid and the fixed minimum prices and to give an undertaking that they would not in future pay less than the prescribed minimum.
(4) The scheme for the distribution of sows, is the only one at present being operated by the Pigs and Bacon Commission for the improvement of bacon pigs.
(5) The present scheme for the distribution of sows began to operate on 23rd September last. From that date until 2nd December, 78 sows have been distributed under the scheme.