asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state why an official estimate of the average cost of production in all important branches of the agricultural industry is not compiled and published by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compilation of Agricultural Costs.
The average costs of production of each of the principal crops and other agricultural products could not be accurately estimated without carrying out very comprehensive and detailed investigations, the results of which would not justify the heavy expense involved.
Question.
Again, might I ask the Minister how he can assume that he is in a position to estimate a fair price for essential agricultural produce, such as wheat or beet, when he has not made any investigation into the cost of production?
It is done by asking reputable farmers for their opinion.