asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that mangold seeds and swede turnip seeds are being offered for sale by newspaper advertisement at 5/- per lb.; whether he regards the price as excessive, and, if so, what steps he has taken in regard to such overcharging; whether he has received complaints to the effect that in certain parts of the country it is impossible to buy mangold seeds or turnip seeds, and whether he will state what action he has taken or intends taking to make available in such districts adequate supplies of the seeds in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mangold and Turnip Seeds.
My attention has been directed to an advertisement in the Press offering mangold and swede seeds at 5/- per lb. postage paid, but I am aware that these seeds are also offered for sale at much lower prices; and my information is to the effect that the principal seedsmen in this country have been selling these seeds to farmers at prices which cannot be regarded as unreasonable, taking into account the cost of the seeds to the seedsmen.
Complaints have been received by my Department from individual farmers as to difficulty experienced by them in obtaining supplies of agricultural seeds locally. Any such difficulties are probably due to import restrictions arising from existing emergency conditions over which my Department has no control. If such farmers apply to some of the principal seedsmen in Dublin or other centres, they may be able to obtain supplies which, with economy in seeding, should meet their requirements; but in present circumstances they will have to be content with varieties different from those usually used by them.
What action has the Minister taken to deal with the individuals who are selling the mangold and turnip seed at this excessive price?
No action has been taken so far.
What action does the Minister propose to take? Has he referred the matter to the Prices Commission?
Not so far.
That is the way these people get away with it.