asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the price of bacon pigs has been steadily falling, for the past five weeks; that the present high prices of feeding stuffs operate as a hindrance to pig production; and if he will stabilise the price of feeding stuffs in relation to the prices obtainable for pigs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Pig Feeding Stuffs.
I am aware that there has been a seasonal decline in the price of pigs.
The Deputy's suggestion that the price of feeding stuffs should be related to the market price of pigs is not considered to be practicable. I would point out, however, that the price of feeding stuffs such as maize meal, bran, pollard and compound feeding stuffs is officially controlled, and that, in general, there has been no recent increase in the price of these commodities.
Is the Minister aware that five weeks ago bacon pigs were making £7 5s. per cwt live-weight and that to-day they are only making £6 16s.? The pig producers are still paying 31/- per cwt. for pig meals. Surely, if you want them to produce more pigs they will not continue to do that at a big loss, because pigs cannot be fed at the present price of feeding stuffs. If you want to increase the production of pigs, you will have either to raise the prices of pigs or reduce the price of feeding stuffs.
Replying on my own behalf, I do not agree with the Deputy's figures.