asked the Minister for Agriculture if a sufficient supply of artificial manures will be made available this year for the congested areas of County Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Manures for Congested Areas.
I anticipate that the supply of superphosphate that will be available this season for County Donegal including the congested areas will be about half of last season's supply. I am not at present in a position to say what supplies of other artificial fertilisers will be available for that county.
Mr. Brodrick
Will the same apply to the western and south-western counties?
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister aware that it is popularly believed that considerable quantities of sulphate of ammonia are in the country and are being held up by the manure manufacturers on the instructions of the Government? If that is true, could he tell us now why that hold up is taking place and what basis——
That is a separate question. This matter refers to County Donegal.
Why is the sulphate of ammonia not being sent to Donegal, if it is available, and what basis of distribution does the Minister intend? I am not suggesting that the thing is wrong; I am merely asking that the public be enlightened as to what is the intended basis of distribution of sulphate of ammonia.
The present supplies in the country would give about 50 per cent. of what we had last year.
Are you going to distribute it?
Oh, yes, certainly.
Can the Minister give us any indication as to when he intends to distribute it so that distributors may be able to say to their customers: "Have patience and make your plans on the assumption that sulphate of ammonia will be available as to 50 per cent. before such and such a date"?
I shall have that looked into.
Could the Minister say if the 50 per cent. applies to the sulphate of ammonia?
I say that the present supplies will be 50 per cent.
And you hope to get more?
Yes.