asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) whether export licences for the shipment of live pigs are required by the Pigs and Bacon Commission, and, if so, whether the number of licences reserved by the commission are fully availed of in every licensed period, and whether the issue of licences to those engaged in the live pig export trade is restricted in consequence; (b) whether he is aware of complaints by private traders generally that such trading activities on the part of a State organisation are detrimental to their livelihood, and by producers that these activities are eliminating the keen competition of traders for shipping pigs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Licences for Pigs.
Licences are required by the Pigs and Bacon Commission for the export of live pigs, but these licences are in addition to the licences issued to shippers and do not in any way curtail the number of such licences. No complaints have been received by private traders as to the shipment of pigs by the commission and, as far as producers are concerned, the evidence available shows that they are quite satisfied with the returns paid by the commission for any pigs exported on their behalf.
I may add that for the months of February and March of this year only about 50 per cent. of the licences issued to shippers were used by them.