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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Feb 1954

Vol. 144 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Position of Pig Industry.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (1) the amount of money received by the Pigs and Bacon Commission from the British Ministry of Food in respect of pork exported to England from the Republic during the 12 months ended 31st October, 1953, and the average price paid therefor per pig; (2) the amount of money paid by the Pigs and Bacon Commission to Irish pork exporters for pork exported during the same period and the average price paid therefor per pig; further, if he will make a comprehensive statement regarding the present position and the future prospects of the pig industry in view of the considerable uneasiness which exists among pig producers because of the control exercised over the industry by a small group of curers and the Pigs and Bacon Commission; and, finally, if he will publish a full statement on the activities of the commission indicating how the commission's work is benefiting the industry.

The moneys received by the Pigs and Bacon Commission from the British Ministry of Food under the Pigs and Bacon Agreement with Britain cover exports of both pork and bacon. The total amount received by the commission for such exports during the 12 months ended 31st October, 1953, was £6,069,032 14s. 3d. in respect of 307, 484 pigs exported as pork and as bacon. The average price thus received was £19 14s. 9d. per pig. The total moneys received by the Pigs and Bacon Commission in respect of these exports have been paid to the exporters of pork and bacon as above.

The activities of the Pigs and Bacon Commission comprise the carrying out of the functions assigned to it under the Pigs and Bacon Acts, 1935 to 1940 (subject to certain modifications still operative under emergency powers Orders) and under the Bacon, Live Pigs and Pork Carcases (Export to Minister of Food) Order, 1952. I am satisfied that the carrying out of these functions is for the benefit of the industry and no control is exercised otherwise over the marketing by producers of their pigs. No cause for uneasiness in that respect can, therefore, be said to exist. The Pigs and Bacón Agreement with Britain provides pig producers with an assured outlet for pigs in excess of home market requirements at prices related to the prices paid for British home-produced pigs.

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