asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that great uncertainty exists among prospective tobacco-growers regarding this year's crop; that many of them relying on the statement made by the Minister for Finance in his Budget speech last year have ploughed and made other arrangements, involving much capital expenditure, to deal with the crop; that statements appearing in the daily newspapers of the 6th February are however entirely at variance with the statement of the Minister for Finance; and whether in the circumstances and in view of the close proximity of the sowing date he will state if he proposes in respect of this year's crop to depart from the proposals outlined by the Minister for Finance last year and, if so, in what way he proposes to depart from them and for what reason.
Private Notice Question. - Tobacco Growing.
It is proposed to introduce a Bill at an early date for the control of the growing and sale of tobacco. The preference for Irish-grown tobacco outlined in the Budget of last year will be replaced by a lesser rebate. By this method the grower can be as well paid for his crop at less cost to the Exchequer.
The Minister states that it is proposed to introduce legislation at an early date in respect of this year's crop.
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
In respect of the price to growers, can the Minister say if the published figures of 1/- to 1/3 per lb. is sufficient, in his opinion, to remunerate growers who have gone to special expense regarding grading and such rehandling machinery as they thought fit to instal?
Dr. Ryan
As far as my inquiries have gone 1/3 per lb, on the average, would be a good remunerative price.
Can the Minister say at what date he proposes to introduce the legislation in question?
Dr. Ryan
Probably within three weeks.
Is the Minister aware that the planting of the seeds takes place about the 1st March?
Dr. Ryan
That is right.
The Minister, of course, is aware that provisional licences were to be made available by the Revenue Commissioners. Can he say if any provisional licences have been issued to any growers, or if it is proposed to issue any?
Dr. Ryan
The Revenue Commissioners have no option but to issue licences, unless in cases of bad character. Otherwise they must issue licences.
Is the Minister aware that in his own constituency applications for these provisional licences have been presented to the Revenue Commission and that in the cases in question no such licences have been issued? As a matter of fact, no licences at all have been issued in the Minister's constituency.
Dr. Ryan
I am not assuming that they are all bad characters in my constituency. The licences will be issued by the Revenue Commissioners, who have no other option.
I asked the Minister if any have been issued.
Dr. Ryan
I do not know.
I want to know if the Minister is aware whether any such provisional licences have been issued in his own constituency.
Dr. Ryan
I am not responsible for the Revenue Commissioners but, as the law stands, if licences are asked for, for the growing of tobacco, the Revenue Commissioners must issue them.
For the full area asked for?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
I do not want to take the Minister at a disadvantage. He states that this licence must be issued by them. That is not the case because, as a matter of fact, the issuing of a provisional licence is an act of grace. They are not bound to issue a provisional licence at all. They may or may not. Will the Minister, between this and the next sitting day of the Dáil, inquire into the question as to whether or not applications have been received by the Revenue Commissioners for provisional licences; whether any such licences have been granted and as to the discrimination that has been made, if any, in respect of the area applied for by those who are making the applications? I gave the Minister very short notice about this question and I quite understand that he is not responsible for the Revenue Commissioners, but I understand also that he accepts a certain responsibility for this particular industry. I should like to know from the Minister whether he will make inquiries between this and the next sitting day of the Dáil so that he can give me an answer to the question.
Dr. Ryan
That is a question the Deputy should put to the Minister for Finance. I cannot accept any responsibility for what has been done in the past in the issuing of licences. But, in the Bill to be introduced, there will probably be provisions for registration by the Minister for Agriculture. For what has been done up to this I cannot take any responsibility.
The Minister, presumably, will understand that the purpose I have in mind in connection with this question is to allay growing apprehensions. I ask the Minister if, in the interval, between this and Wednesday next, he will make the necessary inquiries and not try to shelve responsibility in this connection because the major responsibility is his. I ask him to make inquiries from the Revenue Commissioners as to whether or not any applications for provisional licences have been made and if any have been granted.
Dr. Ryan
If the Deputy will put the question to the Minister for Finance on Wednesday it will be answered.