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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 20 May 1943

Vol. 90 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flax Production.

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether any deductions are being made from the price paid by the British Ministry of Supply through the Irish Department of Agriculture to flax producers in this country, and to what purpose such deductions, if any, are being devoted.

No deductions are being made from the price which the British Ministry of Supply agreed to pay to flax producers in this country. These payments are made direct by the Ministry of Supply and not through my Department.

I am informed by the people who grow flax that a deduction of 2/6 per stone is being made.

No deduction is made by the British Ministry from the prices agreed to be paid for the various grades. Payment is made according to grade.

I understand that a deduction of 2/6 per stone is being made by the Flax Development Board which, according to rumour, is to be devoted to the creation of a fund designed to build retting dams. I want to ask the Minister why should the unfortunate people who have thrown themselves into the task of growing flax at the request of the Minister for Agriculture be levied with this particular service when no other restricted body of producers are similarly levied for public services which the Government have thought it expedient to set on foot?

I think the Deputy must be misinformed.

I am not misinformed. The boys growing the flax have told me.

Will the Minister say how does the price we are receiving here compare——

That is obviously a separate question.

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