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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Apr 1951

Vol. 125 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Live Pigs.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the compulsory reduction in the price the farmer is getting for his bacon pigs at present, as a result of the action of the Minister for Industry and Commerce in reducing the price of bacon to the consumer, he will now allow the free export of live pigs to Northern Ireland, where he can get a very much higher price, in an effort to provide some compensation to the farmers of the Republic for the ruinous price at which they have to sell their eggs at present.

I would refer the Deputy to the replies given by me to questions on the subject by Deputy Seán Collins on the 11th April, 1951, and by Deputy Commons on the 12th April, 1951.

Are we to take it that in so far as the export market is of any benefit to the farming community, it is to be restricted, while, on the other hand, say, in the case of eggs, when there happens to be a glut of eggs, they are to be exported and sold at ruinous prices? In this case the export market gives no protection to the producer but rather to the consumer who, with his tongue in his cheek, is benefiting by eating eggs at 2d. each.

Will the Minister say if there is any obstacle to the removal of this ban by the Minister for Agriculture?

I could not say.

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