§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the extensive slaughter in Ireland of young pigs of from eight to ten weeks old, and the export of similar animals for slaughter in Great Britain; whether this slaughter of immature animals is likely to diminish seriously the breeding stock and the food supplies of the country in the near future; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. DUKEInquiries have been made by the Department in regard to the slaughter of young pigs in Ireland, which appears to be mainly due to the situation arising from the diminished crops of potatoes and the demand in Great Britain for pork. The scarcity and high price of potatoes and of other pig-feeding materials have caused a considerable drop in value of young pigs for store purposes, particularly in some districts, and breeders are now disposing of a large number of these young animals for slaughter in Ireland and Great Britain. The question was fully discussed at a recent conference between the Department and representatives of different64W bodies engaged in the pig trade. It was considered that if slaughter of these young pigs be now prevented, the breeders may be unable to dispose of them or to feed them, and that, consequently, they may cease breeding pigs to maintain the stocks in the country. The Department have in force an Order prohibiting the slaughter and shipment of sows obviously in young and are bringing this provision more prominently under the notice of pig breeders and others with a view to maintaining the breeding sows in the country and thus maintaining the stocks.