asked the Taoiseach the most recent estimates of (a) the number of pigs in the country (b) the number of breeding sows (c) the percentage fall-off in both categories and (d) how the reduction in pig numbers in Ireland compares with that in other countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pig Production.
6.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the required information.
Following is the statement:
TABLE 1
ESTIMATED number of total pigs and breeding sows in Ireland in August, 1974, with comparative figures for August, 1973.
|
Change |
||||
|
August 1973 |
August 1974 |
Actual |
Percentage |
|
|
Number (000) |
||||
|
Total Pigs |
1,064.3 |
849.1 |
-215.2 |
-20.2 |
|
Breeding Sows |
127.5 |
87.0 |
-40.5 |
-31.8 |
Notes: (1) The most recent estimates relate to 1 August, 1974.
(2) The figures have been estimated from a sample covering approximately 15 per cent of the area of the State and 25 per cent of the total pig population.
(3) Breeding sows include sows in pig, gilts in pig and other sows for breeding.
TABLE 2
PERCENTAGE changes between August, 1973, and August, 1974, in total pig numbers and total sow numbers in other Member States of the EEC.
|
Percentage changes between August, 1973 and August, 1974 |
||
|
Total Pigs |
Breeding sows and gilts not yet served |
|
|
Germany |
+6.8* |
+8.8* |
|
France |
+0.9 |
+3.5 |
|
Italy |
+3.8 |
+3.6 |
|
Netherlands |
+5.9 |
+5.7 |
|
Belgium |
+17.4 |
+9.1 |
|
Luxembourg |
+2.0 |
0.0 |
|
United Kingdom |
-10.4 |
-15.1 |
|
Denmark |
-5.5 |
+1.4 |
* Change between September, 1973, and August, 1974.
Source: Statistical Office of the European Communities.