asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that bacon curers have circularised customers in Dublin City, informing them that they are receiving only one-fifth of their requirements of bacon pigs; and, as a result of this, some Dublin provision merchants are receiving as little as one-third of their bacon supplies on the old quota basis; and whether he can state when he hopes for an improvement in supplies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bacon Supplies.
I am not aware that bacon curers have circularised customers in Dublin City to the effect indicated by the Deputy.
It is estimated that, for the current month, the supply of bacon available should permit the consumption of a greater quantity than was actually consumed in June of any year since before the war.
It will, of course, be appreciated that removal of control of the distribution of bacon means that curers are no longer tied to particular distributors and vice versa. Trade competition has been restored and it is for the members of the trade to resume their normal function of ensuring adequate supplies for the consumers. I confidently expect the fullest co-operation from the trade in meeting the demand for bacon wherever it occurs.