asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the general dissatisfaction prevailing in regard to the rigid grading of bacon pigs, and, if so, whether he will have an inquiry held regarding the working of the system to ascertain whether the reduced prices paid for heavier pigs are passed on to the consuming public in all cases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grading of Bacon Pigs.
I am not aware that there is any foundation for the statement made in the first part of the question. The position is that the purchase of pigs by bacon factories and pork exporters is on a freely competitive basis and the prices paid for the various weights of bacon pigs reflect the preference for lean bacon both on the home and export market.
With regard to the second part of the question, retail prices do not come within my province, but I would point out that they have been the subject of a recent inquiry by the Prices Advisory Body and are controlled by Order of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Is the Minister aware that there is no competition whatsoever in the buying of pigs at the present time and is he also aware that general dissatisfaction prevails among pig producers owing to the stringent grading system that exists? As regards the remainder of the question, I can assure the Minister that some bacon factories, at any rate, are cashing in on the grading system and reaping a rich financial harvest.
The Deputy is making a speech.
I am asking a supplementary question. I am pointing out to the Minister——
The Deputy must ask a question.
I am asking the Minister a question. He tells me he is not aware of the general dissatisfaction prevailing and I want to know from the Minister where he got that information, as undoubtedly every pig producer in this country is aware that general dissatisfaction prevails amongst them? I want a reply from the Minister now.
As soon as the Deputy allows me to open my mouth I will reply. The answer to the query is that there is a differentiation between the prices paid for fat pigs and for lean pigs at the factory and I think it is right for me to add at once that there ought to be such differentiation and that the longer we live the more our people must come to realise that there is no market at home or abroad for bacon produced from fat pigs and there is nothing I can do about it—or anybody else. As regards the alleged failure on the part of curers to reproduce in the prices charged for bacon the prices they are paying for different categories of pigs, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that bacon recently is being offered on the basis of 300/- for the leanest, 296/- for lean, 280/- for prime and 274/- for stout. Whether that accurately represents the differential between fat and lean pigs taken into the factories I would not be prepared to state categorically but it does reflect some differentiation. Whether that differentiation is shown in the retail shop at the point where the customer is concerned is a matter which has been considered by the Prices Advisory Body and the retail Order for bacon has been adjusted in the light of their findings. That does not come within my province and if it does not meet with the Deputy's approval I can only refer him to my very able colleague, the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
As I am afraid the Minister has not fully grasped the significance of the question and as it is rather complicated, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to raise the matter on the Adjournment. I could not do justice to such an important matter now.