asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of recent speculative press reports, it is his intention to nationalise the bacon curing industry or to have the bacon industry reorganised.

34.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is his intention to centralise and control the buying of pigs.

With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.

It is not my intention to nationalise the bacon curing industry. I mentioned to the House on 29th April when introducing the Agriculture Estimate, that my Department is at present examining an outline of proposals for the centralised marketing of pigs which the Pigs and Bacon Commission have prepared as a basis for discussion. Any question of proceeding with such proposals will involve consultations with the various interests concerned and the implementation of them would seem to require legislation.