asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will comment on the drastic reduction in the price of Irish bacon on the British market, announced last week.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Irish Bacon in Britain.
9.
The Deputy is presumably referring to the reduction of 12/- per cwt. which took place the previous week.
I understand that the Pigs and Bacon Commission, which is the body responsible for the marketing of Irish bacon in the form of Wiltshire sides in Britain, did not agree that the reduction was justified and that the Commission as a body discussed the matter with the pricing agents' committee in London on 5th October. The price of Irish bacon in Britain was increased by 17/- per cwt. on the following day whereas the prices of other bacon generally were increased by only 5/-per cwt.
I am aware of the facts stated in the Minister's reply, but is it not very disquieting that that sort of thing can happen unless we have a board here to go over and fight it?
Action was taken anyway.
I appreciate that.