asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that large quantities of wheat intended for seed purposes last season when tested after the harvest and immediately before sowing in the spring showed a wide discrepancy in germination indicating that such wheat was not stored under proper conditions, and if he will say whether any consideration will be given by his Department to devising more satisfactory methods of handling our seed supply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Storage of Seed Wheat.
I am aware that the germination of seed wheat deteriorated considerably in a number of cases last season. It is intended that permits for the assembly of seed wheat in the 1942-43 season will be granted only to persons who posses satisfactory storage and cleaning facilities. Furthermore, and in order to encourage the drying of seed wheat by assemblers, it is proposed that when maximum prices for the sale of seed wheat are being fixed, an adequate margin will be allowed between the price of dried wheat and green wheat. Certain inducements are being offered to the seed trade for the assembly of a stock of seed wheat of spring varieties. None but those who are prepared to undertake the artificial drying of seed wheat to a moisture content not exceeding 15 per cent. will be allowed to participate in this scheme. Finally, it will be an offence for any person to sell or offer for sale as seed any wheat the germination of which at the time of sale or offer for sale is less than 85 per cent.
Will the Minister consider making provision for an inspection of the crops before cutting because I feel that it is nearly impossible to observe foreign grain or grain of a different variety in a sample except in a growing state? I think the Minister might consider inspecting the crops before they are cut.
That would be a matter for the seed merchants.
If the Minister would state that it would be wise to take such precaution, I think it would be very useful. Will the Minister consider that?
We shall strongly advise seed merchants to do it, certainly.