asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is prepared, in view of the special circumstances obtaining this year, to make available to cottage tenants and other workers who have gardens attached to their houses a supply of seeds and fertilisers adequate for their plots at a nominal cost.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Seeds for Cottagers.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a similar question by Deputy O Murchadha on 11th December last, in which I stated that I was not satisfied that, in addition to the facilities already available, the introduction of a special scheme for the provision of seeds and manures to cottage tenants and other smallholders was necessary.
Has the Minister's attention been directed to the fact that there was a carry-over from last year of a certain amount of turnip and mangold seeds which, on test, proved to be below the minimum standard of germination which would ordinarily be passed as satisfactory for retail sale? Is it intended, in order to meet this kind of demand and the general demand, to permit the sale of these low-percentage germination seeds after full notice of the low germination has been given to the potential customer?
I am aware that certain seeds were carried over, but I am not aware how the germination test has turned out. I have heard — not officially — of one consignment which was kept over and the germination test of which was very good. It is quite possible that what the Deputy has said is correct.
I know of a cwt. of turnip seed which was carried over from last year, the germination of which would be from 74 to 76 per cent., which, in a normal year, would be much too low. Does the Department want that type of seed to be destroyed or to be distributed to retailers this year?
I must have that question considered. We should not waste any seeds.
I agree.