asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that bacon curers are paying producers less than 190/- per cwt. for pigs of 14 stone, in spite of the fact that the wholesale price of bacon has increased considerably since his statement that farmers should expect the above price; and, if so, whether he will take steps to provide an export market for live pigs and thus prevent producers from being exploited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Pigs.
I do not think there is anything I can usefully add to my reply to the question on this subject put down by Deputy Cogan on 26th October.
Is the Minister aware that since he stated in this House on the 8th and on the 21st of June that farmers should obtain 190/- for pigs weighing 14 stone the bacon curers have increased the price of pigs considerably; that they are now handling three times the number of pigs in the week as they were handling 12 months ago; that there is no reduction to the consumer for pigs overweight and that the bacon curers, by adopting this system of grading and of cutting prices, in the past were proved to have made an excess profit of £300,000, and that he should take some steps to provide an alternative market for the pigs that are being paid for at a completely uneconomic price by the bacon curers and being sold to the public at an excessive price?
I am sure the Deputy is aware that I am keeping the whole of this matter under constant and careful review. Speaking recently at the county committee of agriculture in Sligo, I announced my intention of employing a series of remedies in the event of the bacon curers trying to depart from equity and justice in this matter. I am not satisfied, that, by and large, the bacon curers are not acting reasonably on the whole. I do not expect the bacon curer, and I never asked the bacon curer and I never will ask the bacon curer to pay the top price for every pig brought into the factory. I expect them to pay 190/- for the top grade and to reduce the price payable by 2/- in respect of each higher grade pig up to 1¾ cwts. But, so far as farmers who desire to bring their pigs of over 2 cwts. to the factories are concerned, I have said on more than one occasion that day is done and I will be no party to pretending to farmers that it will ever come back again. There is no market now for pigs of that weight.
Is the Minister not aware that no pig of 14 st. is being paid for at 190/- a cwt. at the moment? Will the Minister provide an alternative market for these pigs that are not being paid for at the rate the Minister suggested, on the 8th and on the 21st of June last, was the proper price?
The Deputy is aware that people can export live pigs now. Is the Deputy aware of that?
No.
Oh, well then we give him good news. Live pigs can now be exported to Great Britain where they will be paid for at 33/- a score dead weight up to 160 lb. weight; sows and pigs over 160 lb., 20/6 a score; boars, 15/- a score. Personally, I would prefer to see all pigs exported as bacon but if the curers try unduly to depress the price that is the first remedy I propose to employ and even with that execution the resources of civilisation are not then exhausted.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that since the price of bacon has been decontrolled the price from the factory to the producer has decreased for some grades by as much as 15/- per live cwt., and that the factories have since reduced their price to merchants for some grades while at the same time the price to the consumer has increased from 3d. to 5d. per lb. for some cuts; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Prices for over-weight pigs have declined, but prices for pigs of optimum weights have remained generally at a satisfactory level. I have repeatedly pointed out in recent months that the day of the over-weight pig is gone.
Prices charged by the factories to merchants have been reduced in the case of bacon of the heavier type, while, for the more choice cuts, the prices have not fallen. Similarly, the retail price of the choicest cuts has not been reduced, while the retail price of other cuts has.
I consider that these price movements were inevitable and, on balance, of advantage to the community. I see no reason for taking any special action, but I would refer the Deputy to the full statement I made at Sligo on 15th October, 1949, when I had the pleasure and privilege of being his guest.
Is the Minister aware that after that statement in Sligo the price to the producer was again decreased?
Is the Deputy aware that, after that depreciation, it subsequently appreciated?
Not that I am aware of.
The Deputy should inquire further.