asked the Minister for Supplies if he will consider setting up a committee representing petrol companies and agricultural interests presided over by an officer of his Department to examine into and advise him on the requirements, supply, storage and delivery of compound fuel for agricultural tractors for harvest and autumn works, including delivery of beet and grain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel for Agricultural Tractors.
The question of the supply, storage and delivery of fuels of all kinds for use in connection with the harvest and also for the transport of turf is under close investigation between my Department and other Departments concerned. I do not consider that a committee of the kind suggested in the question will be necessary, but the petrol companies and other interests will be consulted.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does the Minister realise that on several occasions recently farmers had to go short of tractor fuel, and if that occurs during the harvest it will be disastrous?
Will the Minister consider offering to tractor owners, who use their tractors for agricultural purposes, the granting of supplies in instalments as they become available, where tractor owners have storage available? A great many of them would not have that storage and could not avail of the scheme, but some may have the storage and would this not relieve the supply problem during the rush time in the autumn and spring?
The position is at present being discussed with the interests concerned—with the organisations representative of the interests concerned.
Will the Minister examine that proposal?
Every proposal will be examined.
The Minister is excluding agricultural organisations. Why are they not consulted?
I have not said I did not propose to consult them.
You have mentioned only the oil companies.
And other interests.