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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Oct 1943

Vol. 91 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pigs and Bacon Commission.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in reference to the Pigs and Bacon Commission (a) the present remuneration and number of its members; (b) the number and cost of clerical assistants; (c) the purpose it now serves, and (d) whether it is his intention to dissolve it.

The Pigs and Bacon Commission consists of a chairman with remuneration of £1,000 per annum, and two ordinary members, both civil servants, each of whom receives an allowance of £100 per annum from the funds of the Commission. At present the Commission employs 17 clerical assistants, whose total monthly remuneration is approximately £375. The purpose it serves remains unchanged save that the Commission is now required to fix minimum instead of appointed prices for pigs and its duties in relation to the fixing of production and sales quotas have been suspended. It is not my intention to dissolve the Commission, but the question of what economics can be effected is under review.

They have a soft job, the whole of them. Will the Minister say if the inspectorial staff is included?

I was not asked for that.

That is another extra.

Is it true that while in theory the sales quota has been suspended, in fact the bacon curers have been required to constitute themselves into a ring to operate a voluntary sales quota, on the threat that if they do not do so the Pigs and Bacon Commission will do it for them?

I have been informed that the curers discussed the question of having a voluntary quota.

And have, in fact, put it into operation.

I do not think so in all cases.

Mr. Cosgrave

Does the Minister think it necessary to have minimum prices fixed?

It may be.

It gives them something to do.

Can the Minister give the cost of the inspectorial staff?

That is a separate question. If the Deputy asks me I may be able to give it on the Estimate.

Is that the only function of the Commission now, to fix minimum prices?

No, all the other functions remain. I can give two, one dealing with illegal curing and the other with the distribution of bacon amongst retailers.

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