asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is a surplus of early potatoes in County Dublin, particularly in North County Dublin, and if he will arrange for the export of these early potatoes at once; and, further, if he will extend the existing export licences to the 31st July.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Early Potatoes.
Arrangements were made this year for the exportation of a quantity of early potatoes similar to that shipped in 1941. This quantity has now been exported and there is no prospect that any further export of early potatoes can be arranged this season.
Is the Minister not aware that there is no conservation of food through refusing to permit the exportation of more early potatoes? These are perishable goods and, if they are allowed to remain in the ground much longer, they will prevent a second crop being put down, a crop which will, perhaps, be more useful as a food than the first crop. Instead of the export of early potatoes diminishing our food supply, it would rather tend to increase it, because it will give an opportunity of getting in a second crop.
Deputies must remember that a certain quota was arranged with the British Ministry of Food and they are not prepared to take any more.
If there is a chance of exporting them, they should be exported, and the consideration of conserving our food supply should not prevent the Minister from exporting as many early potatoes as possible.
I shall bear that in mind.
Mr. Byrne
Would it be possible to arrange for a supply of tea, cocoa and other commodities in exchange for our exports of potatoes?