asked the Minister for Agriculture if before deciding on the minimum prices to be paid for oats and barley this year he consulted any farmers' organisation, and, if so, what organisations he consulted; further, if he can state the name of any farmers' organisation which approved of the prices fixed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices for Oats and Barley.
I did not consult any farmers' organisation in regard to the prices to be paid to growers by licensed buyers for grain of this year's harvest. Proposals relative to the prices to be paid to growers, as well as those to be charged on re-sale by licensed buyers, were, however, discussed by the Agricultural Production Consultative Council before such prices were finally settled by the Government and published.
Did the Agricultural Consultative Council approve of the price fixed?
I would not say that every member of the council approved of the price. It would be rather difficult to get 24 farmers who would approve of any price but, after hearing their views, I was satisfied that the price fixed was very reasonable.
Those must have been astounding views.
Seeing the present price of oats, it is astonishing that you could get even a minority of the so-called Agricultural Council to agree to the fixed price.
Why should it be astonishing?
The price does not cover the cost of production.
A number of the farmers on the consultative council are just like farmers anywhere else; they buy grain for feeding. Naturally, they think that 35/- is too high.
Has the order been made yet?
It has not been formally made yet.
It can be amended when made.
Quite easily, if there is any necessity.