asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has investigated the feasibility of setting up pig-fattening stations in congested western counties, where well-bred sows could be sold on favourable credit terms to smallholders with the certainty of a good market at a guaranteed price per pound weight for satisfactory bonhams offered to the station; and if he is aware that such stations have been set up in other countries in large numbers, and that in at least one instance a station giving this service to smallholders has been set up here on a commercial basis by private enterprise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Pig-Fattening Stations.
39.
A number of pig-fattening stations have already been established in this country, including a couple in western counties for the benefit of smallholders. I have encouraged these enterprises, for example by increased piggery grants and technical assistance from my Department.