asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if the group, the constitution of which was announced by the Government in paragraph 5.61 of the Third Programme for Economic and Social Development with a view to recommending measures to eliminate undue fluctuations in the pig feed price relationship and the returns to producers, has as yet made a recommendation to him; and, if so, if he will indicate the action he has taken thereon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Feed Prices.
44.
The stated purpose of the group referred to was to consider, in relation to a proposal made for the centralised purchasing of pigs, the lines on which it would be practicable to operate such a system. The group did not make any recommendations in the matter, which was overtaken by developments in relation to membership of the EEC and rationalisation of the pigmeat processing industry.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell me why the group did not make recommendations, and how many times they met, if at all?
I have not the information as to how often they met but it is obvious that those supporting it lost interest in the project along the way because they realised it was not such a good idea, especially with our impending entry into the EEC and the change in conditions that has brought about.
The question of fluctuation in pig feed prices will be a matter of considerable importance to farmers in or out of the EEC, and this group who were charged to do a job should not be simply allowed to lose interest.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that he agrees there is no future in pig fattening on a large scale in this country?
No, but there was always a doubt about the advantage of centralising the pig market as such. I have no doubt that the study group became convinced this is so and in view of our entry into the EEC they decided to wait——
Did they make any report?
No.
Then they did not do the job they were set up to do.