asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of cooking apples in the country, and what steps he proposes to take to relieve the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cooking Apples.
I am aware there is a scarcity of cooking apples in the country but there is not an acute shortage. The position is having attention, and if the need for further supplies arises I will take steps to have the home requirements met by providing for increased imports.
Is the Minister aware that there are not any cooking apples to be had? If the Minister would tell me where to get them I would be obliged. I cannot find any and I am prepared to pay any price anybody asks for them, within reason, and they are not to be had anywhere. I know there is a shortage in Great Britain, too, but I am wondering if the Minister, by admitting increased imports, might not relieve the situation here somewhat. If the Minister inquires, he will find that there is not only an acute shortage but that there are none to be had at any price.