asked the Minister for Supplies if, in view of increased area under tillage, he is in a position to state that sufficient supplies of artificial manures and fertilisers will be available for the coming year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Manures and Fertilisers.
The developments in the war situation during the course of the present year have substantially increased the difficulties in obtaining supplies of the imported raw materials required for the manufacture of artificial manures and fertilisers. Every effort is being made to overcome the difficulties and to obtain as large supplies as possible in existing circumstances.
Could the Minister not give any indication or give any estimate of the supply which will be available for the coming year?
I could not do so.
Can the Minister give us any information as to the present stocks?
I could, but I would require notice of the question.
What is the position with regard to supplies of potash, and is there any prospect of increasing the existing supplies?
Answering the Deputy's question, without notice and from memory, I think that the position is that no imports of potash have been received since Italy entered the war, but there is some hope that some supplies may be available in future.
From where? From what country?
That is another question.