asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the shortage of bacon in shops in rural areas in the past fortnight; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Bacon.
50.
I am not aware of general shortage of bacon in rural areas recently. The position is being kept under review by the Pigs and Bacon Commission who have been taking steps to ensure the maintenance of supplies to the home market.
Is the Minister aware that for the past three weeks in many shops in rural Ireland, in County Roscommon, no bacon has been available from five of the leading factories in Ireland—Claremorris, Castlebar, Lunham, Clover Meats and Tullamore Co-Op? In view of that state of affairs will the Minister state what action he proposes to take to ensure that people can get a supply of bacon?
As stated in reply to a previous Parliamentary question — I think it was last week—I received two complaints of this shortage. I sent these complaints to the Bacon Commission who had also received complaints from the same sources. I am prepared to admit that in all probability, because of the extent of combined pork and bacon exports, there may have been a tightening of the supply position in certain places. Steps have been taken and decisions have been reached by the Commission which I am satisfied will ease that state of affairs to whatever extent it exists. I assume, because of the delivery of pigs to bacon factories for some time past—these were much higher than in previous years—that the tightening of the position was not anticipated but I feel satisfied that the decisions made by the Commission will rectify any shortage.
Does the Minister expect the improvement to which he refers will take place very shortly?
It has taken place.
The Minister will appreciate that this question was not put down without evidence that the areas referred to have not got bacon. If the Minister says the position is improved, or is going to improve, does this mean that one or other of these factories will make the necessary supplies available next week?
The decisions to which I have referred are already in operation and have been for some time now.
I shall wait until during the week to find out.
Would the Minister assure provision retailers in Limerick that there will be no shortage of gammons or bacon throughout the Christmas period as these merchants have already been notified——
Surely that is a separate question.
—that there will be a stringent cut in the supply of gammons for the Christmas trade in Limerick?
That is an entirely separate matter.
It has already been notified by the three bacon factories in Limerick.
The Deputy is discussing a separate matter.