asked the Minister for Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the drop in the quality standards of pigmeat recently and the fact that the difference between the price of Danish and Irish bacon on the British market has increased greatly with resulting heavy losses accruing to pig feeders; and the steps he intends taking in the matter.

The weak market for bacon in the UK in recent months has been due mainly to increased supplies coupled with a static or even declining consumption. I must admit, however, that I am not entirely satisfied with the quality of Irish bacon and my Department are taking steps to tighten up on curing and draining practices and will be having discussions with the various interests concerned with a view to improving standards generally.

Can the Minister indicate what steps he proposes to take in this matter?

My Department propose to fix, in line with recommended modern standards, the maximum level of brine which may be injected into the pork during the curing process and also to lay down appropriate immersion and drainage periods for bacon during the curing process. Those two improvements should help the quality of the bacon being exported.

Is the Minister satisfied that at present there is excess brine being injected into carcases?

We are looking at the whole area. As I have said, the improvements we are proposing to carry out should certainly improve the standard of the bacon being exported to the United Kingdom.

Would the new levels in relation to the brine quantity apply also to pig meat sold on the Irish market?

No, this is only for export.

Apart from the quality of the meat would the Minister accept that pig-producing now is not an economic proposition, that many people are losing on pig rearing? Would the Minister not accept that such people are holding on in the hope that the position will improve? Has the Minister any statement to make here today on this question that prices will be increased for pig producers, and that that industry will again become viable and economic? Has the Minister any such statement to offer to pig producers?

No, I have no statement to make in that regard. I accept that costs have increased and, in so doing, that they have reduced the profit margins of producers. But I have no statement to make on that subject at this time.

Can the Minister hold out any hope for the future, or can he say or do anything that would restore confidence to our pig producers?

I think the Deputy will accept that it would be very difficult for me to make a statement to that effect at this time. We know that pig producing at any time is a difficult job because there are the peaks and valleys. We know that in years gone by the same problems have been experienced but the man who stayed in the business succeeded eventually. I think the same will happen in this situation.

I hope the Minister is right.

Would the Minister accept that the scrutiny of this quality problem will involve extra personnel in his Department? If that is so, has he adequate personnel available to him to carry out this work?

Yes. I do not anticipate any problem in regard to having the personnel to do it.