asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider fixing a minimum price of £10 per cwt. live weight to ensure a reasonable profit for pig producers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Prices.
Mr. Walsh
Exports of dressed pork to Great Britain have been taking place since July last at fixed prices announced in advance by my Department and these prices have served to maintain the prices of pigs to producers on a steady basis at a level which ensures a reasonable profit and which has given confidence to the industry.
The price of bacon does not appear to be changing and about four months ago in the Wexford markets we were able to procure the minimum price I have asked of £10 per cwt. live weight. How is it that pigs are now as low as £9 2s. 6d. per cwt.? There is no change in the price of bacon and why should the price of pigs go down to the farmer? I cannot understand that.
Mr. Walsh
Nor I. The price paid at the factories at present is from 254/- to 258/- per cwt. dead weight.