This is a rather important item and I wish to say a few words on it. It is good in so far as this Supplementary Estimate by the Minister does ensure that a certain grade of pig, that is, grade A, will carry what can be regarded as a guaranteed price, so that all those farmers who send pigs to the factory, if they are grade A, will get not less than 235/- per cwt. dead weight. For that there is required a Supplementary Estimate of £50,000, but, as well, there is required a sum of 4/7d. per pig from the producer. Now that 4/7d. by the producer will be paid on all pigs, irrespective of whether they are grade A or otherwise. These two things, the Estimate of £50,000 and whatever sum is gathered by the levy of 4/7d. per pig, will go to form a pool. At the present time, and possibly during this year, that pool may not be called upon, that is, the prices received by grade A pigs exported will never drop below 235/- per cwt. What will happen to that pool if it is not called upon during the year or next year? Will it be kept there to help the big industry, and if the pool is not used this year, can we expect that the levy of 4/7d. will be done away with, so that pig producers will not have, in years to come, to keep contributing to that pool?
This 4/7d., together with the Supplementary Estimate, means, in effect, that two things will happen—No. 1, the producer of the pig will have to pay for its consumption across the water, and, No. 2, the general taxpayer, who will be asked to put up the £50,000 which the Minister is seeking now, will also be asked to pay so that Irish bacon will be consumed at a cheaper price across the water. However, the subsidisation of exports is not anything new.
In regard to the export on the hoof which has been allowed since 1st of May, what arrangements have been made in regard to that? Is everyone allowed to export? Are there any restrictions? What restrictions have the British imposed?