asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has received several resolutions from pig-raisers in West Cork protesting against the admixture of maize meal on the ground that it is of very inferior quality for feeding purposes, while its cost is excessive, and if he intends to introduce appropriate proposals for legislation to amend this unsatisfactory condition of things.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig-raisers and Maize Meal Scheme.
Dr. Ryan
I have received one resolution from pig-breeders in West Cork. No protest against the quality of the maize meal mixture is made in that resolution, which deals only with the question of reducing the proportion of home-grown grain to be embodied in the mixture. I am not prepared to reduce the present requirement of 50 per cent. of home-grown grain unless and until I am satisfied that a lower percentage will be sufficient to absorb surplus stocks of oats and barley.