asked the Minister for Supplies whether, in view of the fact that the beet acreage applied for to date is approximately 66,000 acres, an increase of 26,000 acres on last year's acreage, and that merchants are allowed to supply farmers with only 75 per cent. of last year's requirements, he will make special arrangements to provide an adequate supply of artificial manures for this year's beet crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Beet Crop.
Following consultation between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, arrangements were made for the purchase of adequate supplies of the raw materials necessary for the manufacture of superphosphate, which is the main ingredient in all compound fertilisers. Owing to difficulties in chartering the requisite shipping, it has not so far been possible to have these materials transported in quantities sufficient to meet demands. Efforts to overcome these difficulties continue to be made, though in present circumstances it is impossible to forecast the extent to which such efforts are likely to be successful.
In the meantime, farmers should as already advised by the Minister for Agriculture, reserve all available supplies of superphosphate for their tillage crops generally—including the beet crop. Reasonably adequate supplies of sulphate of ammonia and potassic manures are available, and I am informed by the Minister for Agriculture that to the extent to which farmers can get supplies of superphosphate they should be enabled to prepare the standard fertiliser mixture for beet, to supplement such supplies of prepared beet manures as will be available to them through normal channels.
Is the Minister aware that, as a result of the refusal of his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, to pay the 10/- bounty on imported manufactured manure, substantial supplies of superphosphate of lime which were available for this country in Great Britain have not been availed of and will not be availed of, as they will not be eligible for the 10/- bounty which the Minister is paying on Irish manufactured manure?
No.
Well, it is true.