asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that bacon inadequately cured or smoked is at present being issued to the Dublin shopkeepers; and, if so, if he will take steps to effect an improvement in the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Curing Complaint.
Mr. A. Byrne
Mr. Walsh
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and, accordingly, action as suggested in the second part of the question does not appear to be called for.
I would, however, refer the Deputy to my reply to a question on this subject by Deputy Larkin on 17th November.
Mr. A. Byrne
Would the Minister have inquiries made again? Only last week certain retailers had bacon returned by customers as when taken home it was found not to be cured at all. Will he see that inadequately cured or smoked bacon is not put on sale?
Mr. Walsh
At a meeting between the curers and the R.G.D.A.T.A. we asked that any complaints regarding bacon be sent to us so that we may have them investigated.
Surely the Minister has a more active function to discharge than simply sitting like a bump on a log waiting for complaints to come in to him. Has not the Minister for Agriculture a duty to see that those who process pigs produced by the agricultural community will process them properly and not put them on the market in a condition which is calculated to injure the interest of the farmer producer?
Continuing the vendetta?
What vendetta? Have sense, Parliamentary Secretary, andkeep quiet. I would ask the Minister is there not some evidence that certain curers are not processing bacon with the care and diligence which they ought to apply? Has not the time come for the Minister to take the initiative in the matter, and draw the attention of those people to their duty, if the bacon is not being properly handled?
Mr. Walsh
No one has come forward with that contention.
It is not their job.
Mr. Walsh
Let them substantiate the complaints.
Would the Minister not feel he has a duty to take the initiative and to satisfy himself from time to time that the curers are handling the pork for conversion into bacon in accordance with their duty to do it right? Possibly the Minister is already doing that. If he is, I would ask him perhaps to intensify his inspection periodically so as to improve the position.
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am asking the Minister to take the initiative. If not, the Minister for Health might do so.
Mr. Walsh
That has been done.
Now he says he is doing it.