asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity of bacon exported from this country since January 1st, 1950, the countries to which it was exported, the price per cwt. received, the amount of subsidy, if any, paid, and the source from which this money was found.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Prices.
The total quantity exported from 1st January to 25th May, 1950, was 2,280 tons, of which about 98 per cent. was sent to Great Britain. The remainder went almost entirely to the United States. The other importing countries were Jamaica, Bermuda and Sweden.
Since 1st January, 1950, the British Ministry of Food paid 217/- per cwt. f.o.b. for Wiltshire sides and corresponding prices for other classes. It is not known what prices were received for bacon exported to countries other than Great Britain.
The amount of subsidy paid on the exports to Great Britain since 1st January is £17,901. The subsidy was paid from the Stabilisation Fund of the Pigs and Bacon Commission.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate the price per cwt. at which bacon is at present available to retailers in the Republic of Ireland and the price per cwt. received for bacon exported to England.
During the week ended 27th May, 1950, the average price charged to retailers varied from about 255/- per cwt. for leanest Wiltshire sides to about 182/- per cwt. for foreends.
As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 21 asked to-day by Deputy Smith.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the price per cwt. at present being paid by bacon wholesalers, the margin of profit allowed on these sales to the retail trade, and the price per cwt. at present being charged to the consumers.
The average price per cwt. charged to bacon wholesalers during the week ended 27th May was from 236/- per cwt. for prime or medium Wiltshire sides to 245/- per cwt. for leanest Wiltshires. The margin of profit on sales of bacon by wholesalers to retailers is not controlled as the Deputy's question implies. The prices of bacon to consumers are normally expressed per lb. and averaged 2/8½d. approximately in Dublin for all cuts during the week ended 27th May.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the retail prices of bacon have advanced in spite of the fact that the average increase in price per cwt. above 190/- is less than 5/- during the present seasonal shortage of pigs and although the quantity of bacon presently available exceeds the level of previous years; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter.
I am aware that the retail prices of the best cuts of bacon advanced somewhat but the prices of the cheaper cuts have remained practically unchanged.
Prices from 196/- to 205/- per cwt. dead weight have recently been paid by bacon curers for pigs and the average increase is substantially higher than the Deputy suggests.
I am keeping the whole position under review but I do not consider that any action on my part is called for at present.