asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state on what grounds he has made it an offence for farmers who have already contributed their quota of wheat to the millers to feed to live stock wheat which they themselves have grown, in view of the fact that failure to grow, wheat is not an offence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Home Grown Wheat.
I presume the Deputy refers to the Emergency Powers (Restriction on use of Wheat and Wheaten Products) Order, 1941, which is in operation since the 8th March, 1941, and which prohibits all persons, as well as farmers, from feeding wheat to animals. It is common knowledge that we have not at present in this country sufficient wheat to provide bread for the community. The reason for the Order is the belief that human needs should have priority over animal feeding, and I am astonished at the suggestion in the Deputy's question that such Order requires explanation.
If all the owners of arable land grew 5 per cent. of wheat there would be enough for all, but, if some owners failed to grow that amount, why should those who grow more be penalised? Why do not the appropriate Ministers see to it that each owner does his portion? Otherwise, is it not an indirect inducement to people who have grown the extra amount to stop doing so? Is there no answer?
No answer. We want the wheat.
But you will never have it.
The Deputy is doing his best to see that we do not get it.
The Deputy is growing wheat. There are not six men in Ireland growing more wheat than the Deputy, who knows what he is talking about, while the Minister does not. Will the Minister see that enough wheat is grown and that each owner does his part?
The Deputy was against compulsion some time ago.
I was for compulsion once, but that was to bring the Taoiseach and his Party in here.