asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the high cost of pig feeding stuffs, and the increasing difficulty of small farmers in obtaining credit, have resulted in a decline in pig production by small farmers, and the tendency of large-scale production of pigs near the curing centres by those who have capital and are in a position to buy large quantities of feeding stuffs wholesale; further, if he is aware of the consequent diminution in the income of such small farmers, and if he will have investigation made with a view to the formulation of a scheme whereby the small farmer will be enabled to buy feeding stuffs as cheaply as his bigger competitor.

There is no evidence that the production of pigs on small holdings has declined, or that there is a diminution in the income derived from pig feeding on such holdings. As regards supplies of feeding stuffs, I am aware that farmers in many areas purchase their requirements through their own co-operative societies, and I do not consider there is necessity for making an investigation into this aspect of the matter mentioned.