asked the Minister for Agriculture if, with a view to putting the pig industry on a more stabilised basis, he will consider the establishment of a semi-State company, on the lines of Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann, to run the industry; and if he will make a statement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Promotion of Pig Industry.
As the Deputy will appreciate, there are fundamental differences between the sugar beet and pig industries; in particular, Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann is primarily concerned with the home market, whereas the pig industry is greatly influenced by a highly competitive export market. The principal factor that tends to cause instability in the pig industry here is the frequent and the sharp fluctuations in the prices obtainable for pigmeat on the export market. With a view to offsetting the effects of these fluctuations and providing satisfactory prices for good bacon pigs on a long-term basis, an export price guarantee scheme for Grade A bacon has been in operation since May, 1956, and this scheme, under which minimum prices are guaranteed to producers for top-quality pigs, has brought about a very substantial measure of stability in producers' prices despite a disastrous decline in bacon prices on the export market in recent months. It is debatable if some other arrangement would have secured better results, but, in any event, the whole question of the organisation of the pigmeat export trade will be examined by the committee which is being established to advise on the marketing of agricultural produce.
In elaboration of the Minister's very full reply, is it not true that there has been a greater measure of stability in the price of Grade A pigs in this country during the past 18 months than in any other country in the world? As a result of the stabilisation measures we have taken, is it not a fact that we are still able to pay, with a guarantee that the price will be maintained for six months from to-day, 235/- per cwt. for pigs at the factory when bacon is selling in London at 230/- c.i.f.?
The taxpayer has to subscribe very heavily.
Can the Minister say how long that position is likely to last?
Do not bid the devil good morning before you meet him.
Does the Minister consider a guarantee for a period of six months ahead, as Deputy Dillon suggests, any great measure of security for the farming community?
It is a good deal better than none.
How long does Deputy McQuillan want to keep a pig, anyway? Does he want to keep him until he grows whiskers?