asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a pig slaughtered and cured by Mr. J. F. Prendergast, Rosemount, Ballyglass, County Mayo, and intended by him for the use of his own household of eight persons, was not left to him for that purpose, and that he was ordered to send same to a Dublin firm of bacon distributors; and if he can state the reason why this step was taken.

On information received that illegally cured bacon was being disposed of at the premises of Mr. Prendergast the premises were visited by officers of the Pigs and Bacon Commission on October 16th, 1942. A quantity of bacon was found on the premises.

A direction for sale was subsequently given in respect of this bacon as the Commission was satisfied that it was not intended solely for the use of Mr. Prendergast's family.

Is the Minister aware that the bacon found was one pig not entirely cured, and that the household of the person concerned consisted of eight persons? On these facts will he state why the commission came to the conclusion that Mr. Prendergast did not mean to use the bacon for his own household?

My information is not to the effect that only one pig was found.

What is the Minister's information?

Two pigs.

I can tell the Minister, as a matter of fact, that only one pig was ordered to be disposed of. I am afraid the Minister has received inaccurate information.

The commission is the agent in charge of the Order referred to for the requisition of bacon that is being illegally cured.

What does the Minister mean by illegally cured?

The members of the commission were satisfied that this bacon was not meant for home consumption.

Before the commission can be satisfied, there must be some evidence put before them. All the evidence they have got is that a household of eight persons had killed one pig.

Two pigs.

Does that mean that if I kill two pigs you will take one of them?

Not necessarily.

If I kill two pigs it is possible that you can take one of them. According to what you said, this man had two pigs.

Yes. It is not because he killed the two pigs, but because the commission were satisfied that he did not kill the pigs for home consumption, but partly for sale.

Was this action taken under the Emergency Powers Act, or under Orders emanating from it?

Under an Order emanating from the Emergency Powers Act.