asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a firm, enjoying a high degree of protection on its products, and which requires for manufacturing purposes a large quantity of inferior quality apples, refuses to accept apples of this class from packing stations established in order to operate the Minister's own scheme for marketing of apples, and that this same factory is quite prepared to buy similar apples direct from growers who themselves supply the aforesaid packing stations; if, further, he is aware that in consequence of this action on the part of this manufacturer the packing station dumps these low-grade apples into the neighbouring river; and that if this state of affairs is allowed to continue the Minister's own scheme for the marketing of apples is likely to be a failure; and if he will state what action he proposes to take in regard to this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Marketing of Apples.
I am not aware that the position, with regard to the purchasing of low grade apples by manufacturing firms, is as stated by the Deputy. In this connection I have approached a number of manufacturing firms with a view to the purchase by them of apples for manufacturing purposes and I am aware that these firms have made arrangements for the purchase of apples from apple packing stations established under the scheme.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that apples graded, packed and certified as being of such quality as to qualify for the Minister's own mark under his recent scheme for the marketing of apples remained unsold on the Dublin market until the consignment became worthless, while at the same time a brisk trade was carried out with apples not marketed under the Minister's mark, and that if the present practice is allowed to continue the whole of the Minister's scheme for marketing apples under a certificate of quality will be in jeopardy.
I am aware that some lots of apples packed in accordance with the regulations of the marketing scheme and offered for sale in the Dublin Corporation Fruit Market did not meet with a ready sale. The lots in question were mainly composed of early season culinary varieties. At the time these consignments reached the market considerable supplies of ungraded and windfall apples were being offered at exceptionally low prices. I am informed, however, that the lots in question have since been sold and that the position regarding apple marketing is now more satisfactory.