asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fluctuating prices of pigs, he will consider taking action to remedy this undesirable state of affairs which is detrimental to producers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Prices.
52.
I do not agree that the seasonal short-term fluctuations that occur in pig prices, whereby higher prices than the guaranteed minimum prices are paid for pigs, are detrimental to producers and I do not propose to take any action in the matter.
Would the Minister not agree that the price of pigs is continually fluctuating?
The Minister will agree that for pigs of certain grades producers are assured of a minimum price and during certain periods of the year, prices fluctuate with an upward tendency to the advantage of the producer. Even if it were possible, naturally I would not like to take any action to deprive the producer of the advantage of these fluctuations.
Could the Minister indicate to the House who decides whether a pig is grade A or not?
That matter has been discussed here at length. It is not a suitable subject for Question Time.
It is a very simple question which would clear up the matter of prices. Perhaps the Minister might answer it?
About 75 per cent of the pigs that are supplied to the factories and graded come within the four grades that are mentioned.
And 75 per cent of the pigs that go there do not command grade A prices.
They do not make grade A. There are four different grades.
How does the Minister know when he will not tell me who grades the pigs?
They are graded in the factory.
When they get to the factory they are all grade A.
That is not so.