asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the cause of the delay in having the question of an import duty on foreign bacon examined and reported upon, and if he is aware that bacon producers are continuing to produce at a loss in anticipation of relief being given them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposed Duty on Foreign Bacon.
I am not aware that any delay is taking place in having the question of the imposition of a tariff on imported bacon examined and reported on. The Executive Council have referred the matter to the Tariff Commission for report and the Commission are at present in communication with the representatives of the firms and individuals in favour of a tariff regarding the presentation of a full statement of the latter's case. As soon as a satisfactory statement is submitted no time will be lost in arranging for the public examination of witnesses.
The Minister does not seem to have answered the latter part of the question, "if he is aware that bacon producers are continuing to produce at a loss in anticipation of relief being given them"?
If they were I am sure they would hurry up with their case.
Is not the Minister aware that bacon producers are producing at a loss and that foreign bacon is being dumped here at a price which the farmers cannot compete with?
That is another matter.
Is not the Minister aware that the Executive Council have received representations from representatives of the bacon trade to have an emergency tariff put on pending the hearing of the application?
Yes, but we do not think there is any necessity for that.
Is the Minister aware that at present a large quantity of foreign bacon is being dumped at the North Wall and being sent to various parts of the country and that the farmers are suffering a great deal in consequence?
The farmers are also getting whatever advantage there is from it.
Does the Minister not admit that there would be more advantage if the foreign bacon did not come in?
No, not necessarily.