asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that the price of superphosphate of lime has been increased by 10/- per ton as from March 20th, 1940, and whether he proposes to take any measures to prevent this serious increase of price to the farmers of the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Superphosphate of Lime.
The increase of 10/- per ton in the price of superphosphate of lime, as from the 18th March, 1940, was authorised by me. This price was arrived at after an examination of the costs of the raw materials, due regard being had to stocks purchased at pre-war prices.
Is it not a fact that the raw materials requisite for the manufacture of this superphosphate of lime were in the country before the increase of price took place?
It is not a fact.
Then where did they come from?
They were imported.
Subsequent to the price rise?
Subsequent to the war.
How is it that I could have been told last October that the price was going to rise?
Any intelligent person could have told the Deputy that.
How was it that I could be told before supplies of rock phosphate had reached this country that, on the basis of supplies within the country, there would be one price for supplies taken before the 31st December but that, after 31st December, the price would be 10/- extra per ton?
Because, in the mean-time, additional supplies of rock phosphate had been purchased and freight charges arranged for. I announced that in the Dáil last October —that the price of superphosphates, then fixed, would apply to the end of December but that the price after that would have to be higher. Everybody knew that.
What percentage of rock phosphate was in the country before the war?
Six months' supply. I announced that last September.
How much came in since?
I made an elaborate statement on the subject here about three weeks ago. The Deputy can read that statement in the Official Report.
I did.
People do not use superphosphate of lime all the year round, and the Minister says that there was six months' supply in the country.
There were enough raw materials to manufacture half our yearly requirements of superphosphate of lime in the country when the war started.
Six months' supply would represent all we use.