asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that current prices for bacon pigs will show no profit to the producer unless the price of feeding stuffs is reduced, and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Pig Prices.
Pig feeders who produce the bulk of their own requirements of feeding stuffs are assured of a reasonable return for their outlay. It is my aim to provide feeders who cannot produce their own feeding stuffs with imported feeding grain at the lowest possible price. The Deputy is, no doubt, aware that these prices are subject to considerable fluctuation on the world market.
Is the Minister aware that we had a similar question to this in March, 1954, when the price of maize meal was £27 a ton and when the price of pigs was higher than it is now, and is he aware that at the present moment maize meal is £33 a ton?
The Deputy will be desperately disappointed to learn that I hope to reduce the price of maize meal by £3 a ton in the very near future.
Is the Minister aware that it is still £3 a ton higher than when he was Deputy Dillon and when he put down his question in March, 1954?
Was I not pleased to have the Deputy there to ask the question?
And that the price of pigs is much lower now?
I was afraid of my life the Deputy would not ask it.
It is time for the Minister to wake up.
Mr. Lemass
The Minister is very pleased with his own cleverness.