asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) if there is a prohibition on the importation of Landrace pigs, (b) whether he is aware that such pigs are being offered for disposal in agricultural journals, and (c) whether he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Landrace Pigs.
The answer to (a) and to (b) is yes. As regards (c), I think I should say first that it is not proposed to change existing policy, and, secondly, that any Landrace pigs now in the country either have been illegally imported or are the progeny of illegally imported pigs. Boars of such origin cannot be licensed. It is an offence to keep them and the owners should realise that they are liable to prosecution.
Will the Minister state if he contemplates taking any action against people who insert these advertisements in the agricultural journals? If it is the policy of the Government to prohibit the importation of Landrace pigs, surely some steps should be taken to see that they are not allowed to be disposed of by way of advertisements.
I understand the Minister for Agriculture has that matter under consideration at the present time.