asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether, in view of the surplus of potatoes in farmers' hands in the Saorstát, he would ascertain if an export trade could be opened with the United States at an early date.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SURPLUS POTATO EXPORT.
I do not consider that there would be any prospect of opening up a trade in potatoes with the United States, seeing that the Department of Agriculture of that country have, I am aware, no intention of removing or modifying the embargo against the importation of potatoes from European countries which was imposed in 1912 as a measure of protection against certain potato diseases. Should any modification take place in this matter I shall, of course, take such action as may be called for by the circumstances.
Is the Minister aware that the United States Government is appointing a Trade Commissioner to the Saorstát, and will he communicate with the Commissioner with a view to having reciprocity introduced?
Is the Minister aware that potatoes originally came from America?
Deputy Redmond should be aware that there are more potatoes in this country at present than would meet the demand for three seasons.
Mr. HOGAN
I am aware that there is no intention on the part of America to remove the embargo.
Would the Minister see his way to remove the restrictions imposed on certain districts, especially in the Cooley peninsula, as there is no trace of disease there, nor has there been for some years?
Mr. HOGAN
If there is no disease there and if there has been no trace of it for several years such as would warrant the conclusion that there is no possibility of introducing black scab from that area into other areas, a case would be made for removal. It hangs on the fact whether there has been disease there recently, or whether there is a possibility of spreading it to other areas. My information is that there is grave danger of that.
Is the Minister aware that people in that area have no means and no prospect of sowing their crop? I have a letter here consisting of two pages in connection with the matter.
Mr. HOGAN
What would be the effect of spreading black scab to other areas?
It would be very serious if it existed.
The original outbreak of black scab which hampered our exports of potatoes to America occurred in Louth. Seeing that this black scab area is confined practically to Northern Ireland, perhaps the Minister would see his way to make representations to the American Government with a view to sending potatoes from the Saorstát to America?
I am afraid the Deputy will have to put down a separate question on black scab.