asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries what steps he proposes to take to ensure that sufficient suitable gammons and hams will be available on the home market for the Christmas period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Gammons and Hams.
9.
I am advised by the Pigs and Bacon Commission that an adequate supply of gammons and hams is available to meet the requirements of the Christmas trade.
Is it not a fact that pig killings have been down in numbers by 9,000 this November as against November last year? Is that not the result of the slaughter of sows that has taken place? Is it not a fact that on 23rd November the Minister was advised regarding the shortage of hams and gammons for the Christmas trade? He was advised on similar lines by the Pigs and Bacon Commission. Yet, we now find that there is an outcry all over the country because of the scarcity of hams and gammons. Will the Minister now take steps, first, to reorganise the Pigs and Bacon Commission because of the inadequacy——
(Interruptions.)
The Deputy is making a speech, not asking a question.
I am asking a question relevant to the three answers I was given.
The Deputy is making a statement by means of a question.
The answer to the Deputy's question is "no".
There is at present a general national outcry in relation to the scarcity of hams and gammons, despite what the Pigs and Bacon Commission have said. If the Parliamentary Secretary had kept himself in touch with yesterday's evening papers and with the national dailies today, he would realise that and question the Commission on the figures supplied to him. They are totally inaccurate.
The figures supplied to me are completely accurate. The Deputy will be aware that at this time every year a scare arises as to sufficient gammons and hams being available.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that retailers in the city of Dublin are finding it extremely difficult to get adequate supplies for the Christmas trade?
I am not aware that such is the case.
That is the case.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary not aware that pig figures at 1st June were down by 225,000 and that there is bound to be a scarcity for that reason?
If the Deputy puts down a question, I will answer him next year.