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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1933

Vol. 50 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Quota.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he can give any information as to the basis upon which the quota for the export of bacon from the Saorstát to Great Britain is calculated; and whether this quota was based on export figures over a given period in a particular year or years, and if so, whether he will state the period in question, and the export figures over that period; and further if he will state what percentage of (a) the estimated total British consumption of bacon; (b) the estimated total British import of bacon, the Saorstát quota represents, and what fractions respectively of (a) and (b) do the quotas allocated to (1) Denmark and (2) Canada represent.

The quota for the export of bacon from the Saorstát to Great Britain was based on the estimated surplus of bacon, live pigs for bacon purposes, and dressed carcases for bacon purposes which would be available for export over the period 15th September last to 28th February, 1934. The estimate was based upon the experience of recent years. It was considered desirable that the quota figures should be cut down in the months of highest exports, i.e., October to December, in order that the figures might be increased for the months March to May. I may add that the allocation for the period ending February next was accepted on the understanding that such allocation was not to be taken as an indication of the quantities which might be available for export in subsequent annual periods.

In regard to the concluding portion of the question, I have no official information as to the fractions of the total British consumption and import of bacon represented by the quotas allocated to Denmark and Canada.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he in a position, from the information in his possession, to compare the bargain made by Canada in respect of their quota with the bargain which the Free State was in a position to make with respect to their quota?

Dr. Ryan

Oh, yes.

Would the Minister inform the House as to the nature of the comparison he has been forced to make?

Dr. Ryan

I do not know exactly what the Deputy wants.

I do not think the Minister wants to know.

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