asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a resolution was passed recently by the Limerick Chamber of Commerce protesting against an order, issued by his Department on the 17th of October, 1938, prohibiting the importation of seed wheat through the port of Limerick; if he will state why such an order was made, and if in view of the additional expenses which Limerick importers will be obliged to incur, and of the loss of revenue to the port of Limerick as a result he will take steps to have this order revoked.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Seed Wheat.
I am aware of the resolution referred to by the Deputy. It was found that owing to the relatively low price at which seed wheat was being imported in the present season, persons purchasing the wheat from importers were, in some instances, selling it to millers as home-grown wheat. It accordingly became necessary to require all imported seed to contain a proportion of grains stained a distinctive colour so that it could not be resold as home-grown wheat.
As the quantity of wheat for seed imported through the port of Limerick in previous seasons would not justify the expense of having an inspector at the port to examine consignments which might arrive there it was not included in the list of ports through which imported seed wheat would be admitted under permit.
If, however, an importer is prepared to arrange for the importation through Limerick of a substantial consignment of seed wheat I will arrange to have it inspected on arrival and a permit issued when the requirements are complied with. One importer has already been informed of this arrangement in regard to a quantity of seed which he is about to import.