asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if any problem is likely to arise due to the fact that the basic EEC price of pig meat is based on a much heavier pig than that used in Ireland, Britain or Denmark.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Meat Prices.
80.
Discussions are currently in progress between the EEC Commission and the acceding countries about the application of the Community pigmeat regulations to those countries in the light of relevant differences in circumstances at present obtaining in them.
When does the Minister expect these discussions to be completed?
I cannot say. As far as I know, these discussion are being carried on at this moment.
Can I take it that there will be satisfactory floor price arrangements for us right through the time we enter the EEC?
Naturally that will be our objective.
I hope it will be the Community's objective too.
Would the Minister not agree that basing the minimum price on a lighter pig, on a grade A pig, would be more in Ireland's favour than basing it on a heavier pig? There is a substantial difference.
It is a very technical problem. The essential thing that we must watch and bear in mind is the fixing of the basic price at a level satisfactory to us. This basic price will be determined to a large degree, I should think, by other factors such as the cost of cereals and pig feed generally.