asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state why the licensed salmon fishermen did not get representation on the committee set up last year for the export of salmon to the British market; and if he can further state on what date the British Minister granted the 3d. per lb. bonus on Irish salmon, and why this bonus was not passed on to the salmon fishermen.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Salmon Exports to British Market.
In January, 1942, the British Ministry of Food intimated that they were about to suspend the system under which salmon had been imported from this country by commercial firms in Great Britain and announced that thenceforth the Ministry would be the sole purchaser of such fish. To consider the position, a meeting of those known to be engaged in the export of salmon was convened, and it was decided at that meeting to appoint a committee of six to act for the entire body of exporters, in case the need for further consultation with me or my Department should arise. Such consultation has, in fact, been necessary on one occasion only. If the salmon netsmen throughout the country wish to appoint a central committee to represent them and their interests, there seems no reason why they should not do so.
I understand that some of the licensed exporters received a bonus of 3d. per lb., within the period June-September, 1942, in respect of such consignments of salmon as were in specially good condition on reaching market and that on some other consignments not even the standard price, apart from any question of bonus, was realised. I have no information as to who did, or did not, receive the bonus in question or on what consignments it was paid. The arrangements between the netsmen, as prime producers, and the prospective exporters who buy their fish are for settlement between the parties, just as they were before the system of export under licence was introduced.