asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, despite the fact that the price of sows has dropped by £5 per cwt., there has been no apparent reduction in the price of pork sausages and if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that a proportionate reduction takes place immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pork Sausages: Prices.
I am aware that the price of sows has declined in recent months, but not to the extent indicated by the Deputy. Consequent on the reduction in pig prices generally, the whole question of the prices of bacon, pork and pork products is under examination with a view to ensuring that the benefit of the reduction will be passed on to consumers at the earliest possible date.
May I say that this figure of £5 per cwt. was given to me by a pig producer? That means an actual decrease in the price of sausages of 1/- per lb., but the only decrease given to the consumer so far has been ld. per lb. In view of the fact that, at the moment, sausages represent the main meat course for many working-class families, will the Minister take immediate steps to have this matter adjusted?
I should, perhaps, explain to the Deputy that our examination of the position shows that the price of sows has fallen from 170/- per cwt. in December, 1953, to 110/- per cwt. on the 7th of this month. As I explained to the Deputy in my reply, the whole matter is under examination at the moment, and I should like to put emphasis on this statement "with a view to ensuring that the benefit of the reduction will be passed on to consumers at the earliest possible date".
Suppose the price of sows increases in the meantime?
The Deputy had better fight out that question with Deputy Mrs. O'Carroll.