asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the serious shortage of bran and pollard for pig feeding, and, if so, whether he will state the cause of this and the steps he is taking to remedy the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bran and Pollard Shortage.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the cause of the present scarcity of bran, pollard and other feeding stuffs; (b) what action, if any, he proposes taking with a view to improving supplies, and (c) whether a preference in these supplies is being given to certain firms in Dublin; and, if so, what is the reason therefor.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to answer Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
I am not aware of any general shortage of animal feeding stuffs. The output of bran and pollard is limited by the quantity and rate of extraction of flour produced by the mills. Even if the total output were made available for straight sale, feeders could not be assured of a steady or adequate supply. Arrangements have, accordingly, been made for the allocation to manufacturers of compound feeding stuffs of the total output of pollard for inclusion in the balanced feeding stuffs manufactured by them so as to maximise available supplies of balanced rations for pigs and fowl. Over 90 per cent. of the bran produced is being reserved for sale to feeders through the usual retail channels, whereas, in previous quota periods, only 50 per cent. of total bran production was allocated to retail trade.
No appreciable increase in the native production of these commodities can be expected. The present price of imported bran and pollard would involve a retail price of about 22/- per cwt. and I doubt whether they are worth this price.
Preferential treatment is not being given to any particular firms in Dublin or elsewhere in the matter of allocations.