asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether his Department will provide the necessary facilities to enable bacon-curing concerns to import frozen pork in view of the difficulties at present being experienced by curers in obtaining supplies from home sources.

The answer is No.

Why?

Because I anticipate the need to import pork into the country will not arise, as we shall have an abundance of bacon for our own people and a growing surplus to export at profitable prices for the next five years.

Is it not a fact that a number of bacon factories have closed down, and, further, that a number are about to close down? Is it not also true that there is a possibility of a shortage of bacon in the near future?

I am happy to answer the Deputy "No".

In view of these facts, will the Minister consider, then, the question of permitting the import of pork from the Argentine?

The answer is "No, no, no". The latter part of the Deputy's question, therefore, does not arise.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, has the Minister's promise of remunerative prices for bacon any more validity than the various promises he has made about the prices of eggs, maize and all farm produce?

The price of bacon does not arise in Question No. 53.

I suggest the Deputy should ask the pig producer.

Ask the Northern smugglers.

God bless them.

Ask the Macklins and the rest of them.