asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has taken precautionary measures to ensure that a supply of flax seed of good fibre-producing breed is available to meet the requirements of prospective flax growers in the Free State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Flax Seed.
Dr. Ryan
I am satisfied, as a result of inquiries which I have had made, that ample supplies of the usual commercial varieties of flax seed will be available through normal sources this season. So far as the more limited supply of pedigree seed is concerned, steps have been taken to advise retailers of flax seed in the Saorstát as to where this seed can be obtained, and they have been encouraged to place their orders in time to procure a due proportion of the limited stocks available.
I would like to ask the Minister what he considers normal sources? Has he any idea what quantity of seed would be required for the growth of flax this season? This is coming back again on the flax scheme. There are available 275 tons of pedigree seed and that alone will sow 5,500 acres, but I take it that the bulk of that will be required for Northern Ireland. What I am anxious to know is if any of the pedigree seed will be available for growers in the Free State?
Dr. Ryan
We will get a small part of that in the Free State.
A small part?
Dr. Ryan
Yes.
Can the Minister say what seed will be available after that?
Dr. Ryan
The usual commercial varieties of flax seed.
What seed will be available for them if they are going to undertake the growth of flax?
Dr. Ryan
They can get the ordinary commercial seed from the seed merchants from whom they have been in the habit of getting seed.
What seed is available for them if they are going to undertake the growth of flax? It is the Minister's job to tell the people.
How can he tell if he does not know?
As this is an important matter, I give notice that I will raise it on the Motion for the Adjournment.