asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that bacon factories in Mayo have reduced their buying prices for pigs delivered to them by as much as 10/- per cwt. in recent times; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that this important national industry will not suffer another serious setback by this system of depriving the farmers of a fair price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Pig Prices.
Mr. Walsh
My information is thatprices increased substantially during June, when supplies tended to fall off, and have now returned to about the level existing at the beginning of that month. Prices for good-quality pigs are at present above the average for the past year, and cannot be regarded as unsatisfactory. I would like to take this opportunity to impress again on producers that they will obtain the best prices by marketing their pigs before they become too fat.
Will the Minister not agree that the price of bacon pigs has come down by 10/- a cwt. in many factories in the last month?
Mr. Walsh
Would the Deputy give me the names of the factories where the price has come down by 10/- a cwt.?
Yes.