asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the steps he proposes to take to prevent loss of employment at bacon factories in view of the present fall-off in pig killings.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Factory Employment.
30.
While deliveries of pigs to factories since the beginning of this year are less than in the same period last year they are still at a higher level than in earlier years.
The market for pigmeat is buoyant and the prices now being paid for pigs are high. This together with a normal seasonal upturn in supplies would indicate that there should be a higher output of pigs in the second half of the year.
As I announced on 16th May an incentive to increased pig production is being provided by the extension to farrowing accommodation of the rate of grant applicable to fattening units and by the introduction of special training courses in pig husbandry for farmers, farmers' sons and farm workers.
Could I ask the Minister whether he is satisfied that the recent increase in the price of pigmeal is warranted? The increase is about £11 per ton.
That is a completely separate question.
It is obviously a separate question.
Surely this is directly concerned with the profitability of pigs. I am asking the Minister to say whether he thinks the increase in the price of pig-feed by £11 per ton is warranted. If the increase is of such a size as would inhibit an increase in the pig herds of the country, this is certainly a matter of concern to the Minister for Agriculture.
The only thing I can say in reply to that is that this time last year the price per cwt. for an A-special pig was £18; it is now £27.50. Even though there has been a substantial increase in the price of feedingstuffs this appears to be compensated for fully by the increased price.
(Interruptions.)