asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, with reference to the statement which appeared in this morning's papers, the intentions of the Government have been correctly reported as regards the following points:—(a) That the Government proposes to confine tobacco growing this season to 1,000 acres approximately; (b) That only those persons who grew tobacco under licence last year will be permitted to grow tobacco this year; (c) that no tobacco whatsoever may be grown except under licence; (d) That no person will be permitted to grow more than two acres of tobacco.
Private Notice Question. - Tobacco Growing.
The announcement in the Press referred to by the Deputy represents correctly the intentions of the Government in regard to tobacco growing in the present year. A Bill dealing with the matter is at present being prepared and will be introduced at the earliest possible date.
Will the Minister state the number of growers last year and the acreage under the crop?
Dr. Ryan
The number of growers was 1,550 and the acreage 750.
In view of the fact that 1,500 acres would only supply a 50 per cent. pipe tobacco blend will the Minister consider extending the area to more than that amount?
Dr. Ryan
It has been considered and it has not been thought advisable, in the first year, to make the blend as high as 50 per cent.
Did I understand from the Minister that no new growers would be allowed this year?
Dr. Ryan
That is right.
Is that fair? We were told that the tobacco crop was to be a great source of wealth and many people turned their attention to tobacco growing in order to obtain the advantage promised. I think it is very unfair now to those growers who received that promise last year. It would be more reasonable to prohibit the growing of tobacco altogether than to thus limit the number of growers.
Dr. Ryan
The Government would not have embarked upon this policy except that it appeared quite fair to them.
Will the Minister consider giving effect to the promise he made in regard to tobacco growing at the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
Growing 10,000 acres?
Dr. Ryan
Yes, as soon as possible. If Deputies will go back to the newspaper reports they will find that it must be mixed and blended correctly so that people may get accustomed to the taste.
Would the Minister consider extending the quota for the growing of tobacco to counties such as Mayo which can grow neither wheat nor beet?
Dr. Ryan
If the existing growers do not absorb the extended area other claims can be considered.
Would the Minister consider those who did not grow last year but who did grow the previous year? Will these people be given consideration?
Dr. Ryan
No, they will get no consideration.
Will the Minister take into consideration persons who entered whole-heartedly into the scheme last year and were induced to do so by the Minister's statement, and who incurred considerable expenditure for the purpose of growing the crop? Would he consider having compensation paid to such people, who incurred what will now prove to be unnecessary expenditure, in their desire to grow the crop?
Dr. Ryan
Are not these people covered by what I suggest?
If they are not, will the Minister undertake to consider the question of compensation in their cases?
Dr. Ryan
I would like, first of all, to have it pointed out that they are not covered.