asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the price of maize-meal mixture has advanced by 20/- per ton during the last three weeks, and whether he intends to take any measures to reduce the price of this commodity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Maize Meal.
I am aware that there has been a recent advance in the price of maize-meal mixture due largely to the increased cost of maize, which has advanced by about 25/- per ton since the end of February last. This is a matter over which I have no control but which must necessarily affect the price of maize-meal mixture.
Is the Minister aware that the price of maize-meal mixture in this country is £2 10s. to £3 per ton dearer than the price of pure maize meal in Northern Ireland and Great Britain?
That is a separate question.
I submit, Sir, that it is not a separate question, because I asked the Minister if he will take the steps which lie within his province and his power to reduce the price of maize meal. I say that he could take steps in Saorstát Eireann to bring the price of maize meal, not below the world price, but down to the level that obtains for pure maize meal in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The Deputy's question relates to maize-meal mixture, and not to maize meal.
And the Minister could take steps in regard to maize-meal mixture by reducing the content of home-grown cereals to .001 per cent., which will operate to reduce the price of maize-meal mixture down to the price which obtains in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. If he does not know that, he ought to know it.