asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there has been a change in the method of allocating the export bacon quota for bacon curers which up to February 29th last had been on the basis of the previous year, and if he will state what the changed basis now is, and the reason for the change; that Cork curers developed an export trade because of the unsuitability of the greater part of the local supply of pigs for the home trade; that the alteration will necessitate Cork curers going outside County Cork to buy suitable pigs and refusing local pigs, which will be a hardship and detrimental to Cork pig producers and will discourage pig rearing in that area; and if he will state whether as a result of the change of policy inland curers have to bear the freight charges to the port of shipment, and Cork curers sending bacon inland have to bear the cost of freight to its destination; and whether in these circumstances he will have the general position investigated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Bacon Trade.
Owing to the disparity between home and export bacon prices, it was decided that, as from 1st March, 1940, the basis of distribution of the export quota should be altered so as to require all firms to export a common percentage of their production.
There are no grounds for the statement that the local supply of pigs in County Cork is unsuitable for the home trade or that pig producers in that area are adversely affected by the change. The position in regard to freight charges remains unchanged inasmuch as curers whose premises are located at ports continue, as heretofore, to engage in both export and inland trade.
Is the Minister aware that his tinkering with export quotas and the tinkerings which have taken place by the Bacon Board have resulted in people getting out of pig production?
I do not think that they have had so very drastic an effect.