asked the Minister for Agriculture if before deciding on the prices to be fixed for cereal crops for the coming year, the matter was first submitted to the Agricultural Production Consultative Council or to any representative organisation of farmers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Cereal Crops.
Grain prices were discussed at the last two meetings of the Agricultural Production Consultative Council. The views expressed at those meetings were included in the many considerations which had to be taken into account in fixing grain prices for the coming year's harvest.
They must have been "quare" views then.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, did he ascertain the views of representative farmers' organisations, such as the Beet Growers' Association, the Farmers' Federation or the other organisations which rightly claim to represent the views of farmers?
They are all represented on the Consultative Council.
But was the Minister influenced in his decision by the advice of the Consultative Council?
I said that their views were taken into consideration.
But will they influence the decision?
I think so.
The Minister says that their views were taken into consideration, but will they influence the decision, which is quite a different matter?
It is a very hard thing to answer.
Is the Minister aware that there was no meeting of the Consultative Council for some time?
That is true, but there will be another meeting in a fortnight's time.