asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when he will announce his detailed proposals in relation to the rationalisation of the bacon curing industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Curing Industry.
40.
Proposals for the rationalisation of the pigmeat processing industry, including those which were submitted by the Irish Bacon Curers' Society, have been under examination by my Department and the other Departments concerned. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement in the matter at an early date.
Is the Minister aware, first of all, that industrial grants are being given out to factories without reference to proposals for rationalisation and that some factories are getting grants which may, under rationalisation proposals, have to be closed down? Is he further aware that the Danish authorities have reckoned that a through-put of 300,000 pigs per annum is the minimum economic through-put and that the average through-put in our factories is only 50,000?
I am not aware of the first circumstance mentioned by the Deputy, but I know, and the Deputy knows, and the industry itself is well aware of the fact, that rationalisation of the industry must be accomplished and this is under active examination at the moment and I hope to be in a position to make a statement about it soon.
How soon?
Quite soon.
When the Minister says "quite soon", what does he mean?