asked the Minister for Agriculture whether in fixing the price of wheat and other cereals for the coming year he has taken into account the acute shortage of artificial manures which must result in a sharp drop in crop yield, and if, in order to make next season's cultivation profitable for farmers and to stimulate production, he will consider increasing those prices by a substantial amount.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Manures.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and that to the second part is in the negative.
Does the Minister suggest that he has taken into account the acute shortage of artificial manures in fixing the contemptible increase of 1/- per barrel in the price of wheat? I think the Minister should realise that, in present conditions, that increase is an insult to the farmers, and that it certainly will not stimulate production.
All relevant matters were taken into consideration.