asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if, as a consequence of the recent Budget, he intends to increase the price of first-grade bacon and pork payable by the Pigs and Bacon Commission to bacon factories; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Prices.
32.
I am considering an application received from the Irish Bacon Curers' Society for an increase in the prices paid for bacon for export in the light of the recent increase in the guaranteed minimum prices for certain grades of pigs. A factor which will also have a bearing on the situation is the outcome of current negotiations for a new wages agreement for the bacon curing industry. I will inform the interests concerned of my decision as early as practicable.
Is the Minister aware that the Minister for Finance put £240,000 aside to increase the price of top-grade pigs? Unless the Pigs and Bacon Commission price to factories is increased by 10s a cwt. the farmers will not get the benefit of this so-called increase. If this is not done, it will make nonsense of the Minister's Budget speech.
Something will have to be done in this direction. I cannot say precisely at this stage what will be done.
What is the point in the Minister for Finance declaring that the guaranteed price will be increased by 10s per cwt. when in fact it is not being increased by 10s a cwt. to the farmers?
It is being worked out at the moment. If the Deputy is patient, I am sure there will be a final decision in the matter very shortly. Negotiations are currently in train in connection with the wages agreement aspect on the bacon curing industry. That is a factor to be taken into account.
I am calling Question No. 33.