asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will comment on the marked decline in pig numbers according to recent statistics; and what plans, if any, his Department have to safeguard and promote the pig and bacon industry.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Production.
25.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of the serious decline in pig production in the western counties caused mainly by the high cost of feeding stuffs; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this situation?
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 26 together.
When a decline in pig production seemed likely in 1966, steps were taken to stimulate output by the introduction of the Farrowed Sow Scheme, and later by increases in the guaranteed minimum prices for pigs. As a result of measures taken by the Government and of the high level of pig prices for some time past it is expected that an upward movement in production will take place in the current year. This expectation is supported by the June 1967 livestock census and a limited pig count carried out in September, 1967, both of which showed very significant increases in the number of sows and gilts-in-pig. As regards the position in western counties the June 1967 livestock census showed that pig numbers in Connacht were higher than in June, 1966.
How does the Minister explain the marked reduction in pig numbers which, according to the latest figures, was in the region of 180,000? Is he not aware that it was the consensus of opinion on this side of the House that we should endeavour to encourage farmers, particularly smallholders, to get into the pig industry in order to supplement their ordinary incomes, and would he not agree that that policy has failed? How can we make it succeed? There is an obligation on the Minister to devise some alternative means that will be acceptable because this would play a big part in the development of the western countries.
I could not agree more with Deputy Murphy in so far as the role which the pig could and should play in the economics of the West. As to the explanation of how pig numbers go down periodically in this or any other country, I just have not got the explanation. In so far as what we can do to try to get them up is concerned, I have mentioned a few of the things we are doing and which are having some effect. I also want to let the Deputy and the House know that in a particular way I am seeking to find out whether there are any means by which I can bring about a revival, to a much greater degree, of pig production in the western countries as a whole. I should love to find the solution to this.
The Minister will have the co-operation of the House in that respect. It is highly desirable that we should achieve this.
Is the Minister aware that due to the last increase in the cost of pig rations, pig production has become uneconomic? Is he prepared to give an increase in the guaranteed price to small farmers to produce pigs in order to keep them in production?
I am aware of the impact of the increase in feed prices and, as a result, this matter of price relationship to cost is being examined by me, as it has been examined every time there has been a change in the price, by myself and my predecessors.
If it becomes uneconomic people will go out of production.