Special Committee Pigs and Bacon Bill, 1934 debate -
Thursday, 4 Apr 1935

SECTION 5.

Minister for Agriculture

I move amendment No. 3 :—

In page 7, between lines 25 and 26, to insert the following—" the word ‘ carcase ' when used in relation to a pork butcher does not include the head, feet, or offals of a pig ;

the word ‘ bacon ' when used in relation to a pork butcher means a carcase or any part of a carcase which has been subjected to any process of preservation."

By the amendment I want to make it clear that the head, feet or offals of a pig will not be reckoned as forming the 15 per cent. to which pork butchers are limited. As Deputies are aware pork butchers can sell 15 per cent. of their products as bacon. We want heads, feet and offals exempt because it would be very difficult to measure them. The amendment makes it clear that bacon includes any part of partially prepared pig subject to any process of preservation.

Deputy Haslett

Is there any definition of " offals " ? In parts of the country the words is used in reference to different things. In some parts offals are described as intestines, or what is thrown away, while, in other parts, they are described as anything cut out of the pig in the shape of fresh meat.

Deputy Dillon

The word " offals " is defined in Section 2.

Minister for Agriculture

It means any part of a pig other than the carcase which is capable of use for food for human consumption.

Deputy Belton

What does this mean : " the word bacon when used in relation to a pork butcher means a carcase or any part of a carcase which has been subjected to any process of preservation " ? Is that pickled pork ?

Deputy Maguire

Would not that be likely to interfere with pork butchers ?

Minister for Agriculture

There is a margin of 15 per cent.. If they sell it as fresh pork it is all right.

Deputy Dillon

On that question, suppose a pork butcher apprehends flyblow on meat, and scatters a modest quantity of a preparation over fresh pork to prevent that, and subsequently sold the carcase, that would not be taken as converting pork into bacon.

Minister for Agriculture

That is my opinion, too.

Deputy Dillon

And if necessary an amendment will be brought in to enforce that view.

Amendment agreed to.

Section 5, as amended, and Sections 6 and 7 agreed to.