asked the Minister for Agriculture, if in relation to the recent embargo on the export of live pigs to support the effort to reach this country's bacon quota with Britain, he is aware that because of the surplus of potatoes in some counties, there are large quantities of fattish pigs suitable for pork available; and that if they are paid for on graded prices they will not be sold advantageously; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

There is not an embargo on the export of live pigs but exports to the Continent of Europe are now subject to licensing control. Recent exports of live pigs to the Continent comprised young stores and the numbers exported have not been large. There is always a certain number of over-fat pigs in the country but no one could possibly say what grade the live pigs recently exported would have made if they had been kept at home.

Could the Minister give any reason for the recent deterioration in the carcase quality of bacon?

No, I could not.