asked the Minister for Agriculture whether there is any restriction by the Saorstát Government on the exportation of bonham pigs, and, if so, by what authority and for what reason is such restriction imposed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exportation of Bonham Pigs.
The only restriction on the export of bonham pigs is that contained in the limitation of the export of store pigs to Northern Ireland. The export of such pigs is controlled by the Pigs (Regulation of Export) Order, 1934, made under the Agricultural Products (Regulation of Export) Act, 1933, which permits the export of store pigs to Northern Ireland as from 1st August, 1934, only under permits. The regulation of this trade was undertaken following negotiations with the British Government, who raised the question at the request of the Northern Government. As a set-off against the limitation of exports of store pigs, the quota for bacon has been increased correspondingly.
Am I to understand that this restriction on the export of bonham pigs to Northern Ireland is over and above such restrictions as the Minister found it necessary to put on the export of bacon pigs under the quota on bacon which the British Government has in force?
Dr. Ryan
It is separate from that.
A separate agreement? Does the Minister think that it is in the best interests of pig breeders in this country that exports of bonham pigs to Northern Ireland should be so restricted?
Dr. Ryan
I think the export of bacon in lieu of young pigs is more suitable for this country.
And the Minister has entered into a secret agreement with the British Government, where he has exchanged the rights of pig producers on the Northern Border to ship bonhams for licences to bacon curers to ship bacon. Does the Minister think it fair that the rights of Donegal, Monaghan and Cavan producers to export bonhams to Northern Ireland should be taken from them and given to bacon curers in Waterford, Cork, Limerick and elsewhere for the export of bacon, in view of the fact that curers are already enjoying very considerable privileges under the existing English bacon quota?
Dr. Ryan
As put by the Deputy it would not be, but it was not done in that way.
By what authority of this House did the Minister exchange the trade of farmers in the Northern counties and on the Border for concessions to the bacon curers?
Dr. Ryan
It was not done.
I submit that the Minister had no authority, implied or otherwise, to enter into any such bargain, and I utter an emphatic protest against it.
Dr. Ryan
I have authority to do that under the Act, but it was not done.
Will the Minister explain what was done?
Dr. Ryan
The bacon quota was given to the farmers in these particular counties.
The Minister knows that cannot be true.
Dr. Ryan
It is true.