asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his Department has been in negotiation with the British Ministry of Food regarding (a) the prices and conditions at and upon which the Ministry would propose to purchase our salmon during the 1943 season; and (b) the issue of export licences to enable British manufacturers of fishing nets and twines to make delivery of such gear in response to orders placed by our people; and, if so, whether he will indicate the outcome of such negotiations as to (a) and (b), respectively.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Salmon.
Conversations of the nature referred to have been held with representatives of the British Ministry of Food. The Ministry would be prepared to purchase our salmon during the coming season subject to certain modifications in the arrangements which prevailed throughout the season just past. The prices offered for the 1943 season are as follows:—
Period A.—For all salmon leaving port in this country on and between the 1st January and the 30th January and reaching the consignee in sound condition, carriage paid, 5/6 per lb., plus a bonus of 3d. per lb. for special quality.
Period B.—For all salmon leaving port in this country on and between the 1st February and the 15th May and reaching the consignee in sound condition, carriage paid, 3/6 per lb., plus a bonus of 3d. per lb for special quality.
Period C.—For all salmon leaving port in this country on and between the 17th May and the close of season and reaching the consignee in sound condition, carriage paid, 2/4 per lb., plus a bonus of 3d. per lb. for special quality.
The marketing would be done through licensed exporters as in 1942 season. During the conversations, reference was made to the need for facilitating our fishermen in obtaining supplies of nets and twine from British manufacturers. This is not primarily a matter for my Department or for the Ministry of Food, but our representatives availed themselves of the opportunity thus offered to bespeak the assistance of the Ministry with the British export licensing authority. Our Department of Supplies has been according this subject special attention, and it is hoped to secure the release of the maximum quantity of such gear as is obtainable in the conditions of stringency now prevailing.
Is the Minister aware that the prices quoted are lower than the prices for last year, particularly for the early months of the season, and will he make an effort to pursue the subject with a view to getting a better price? Is he also aware that fishermen around the Kerry coast find it almost impossible to get nets? Will he also pursue that matter?
For the middle period it is true that the price is lower than last year, but best quality salmon in the latter period will be a ld. a lb. more. I can assure the Deputy that we did everything possible to get an improved price, but failed to reach any agreement on a better basis.
Will the Minister say, with regard to the second part of the answer, whether it is a fact that the whole of our flax crop goes to the British at the present time, and that we get no return of any kind either in flax or linen. Will he say whether he has made any representations that we ought to get some kind of return?
It is true that the whole of our flax goes to the other side, but it is not true that we get no return.
Will the Minister say what return we get?
It is more for the Minister for Supplies to say that.
The Deputy should know.