asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware of a serious drop in the number of pigs making the A or special grade; and whether he has any plans to rectify this situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Special Grade Pigs.
6.
The percentage of pigs graded at bacon factories which qualified for the A Special and A grades in the first quarter of this year was 56.2 per cent as compared with 60.2 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 1966. The disimprovement appears to be at least partly attributable to the keener competition and better price levels for all pigs, including secondary grades, because of the lower total supplies, at present available.
The increase of 6/- per cwt in the guaranteed minimum prices for the higher grades of pigs, which is to come into effect next week, is designed to encourage greater production of the better quality pigs and I am confident that grading performance will improve with the upward turn in pig production which is expected later in the year.