asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the large stocks of cross-bred black store pigs that are held by the Wexford and Wicklow farmers, he will consider the advisability of suspending the prohibition Order against black pigs for a further period of six months to enable them to dispose of these stores at the current market prices.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prohibition of Black Pigs.
I am not aware that large stocks of black store pigs are held by Wexford and Wicklow farmers nor do I propose to suspend the operation of the Pigs (Unsuitable Types) Order, 1951, under which the breeding of coloured pigs was prohibited over 11 months ago.
Would the Minister not extend it for another couple of months?
Mr. Walsh
There is no purpose in extending it. It has been there for 11 months now.
Is the Minister aware that a resolution was passed in Wicklow protesting against the proposal to abolish this type of pig?
Most farmers appreciate the need for the elimination of cross-bred pigs having regard to the possibility of a vast expansion in the export of bacon. A difficulty, however, arises in that it is impossible to distinguish between cross-bred and other pigs when the cross-bred pigs are not colour marked. As a result, farmers may keep cross-bred sows without being aware of it until they find that the progeny is colour marked. Would the Minister take that matter into consideration?
Could the Minister clarify the position? Is a cross-bred pig, which has a few black spots, regarded as a black pig from a market point of view?
Mr. Walsh
He is.
Could you not give him any credit for the white spots at all?