asked the Minister for Supplies (1) what quantity of sulphate of ammonia was imported last year, and what amount (a) was used in the manufacture of compound manures, and (b) was available as a single manure, and (2) whether such supplies were secured by way of barter agreement, and, if so, what were the goods so exchanged, and what are the prospects of expanding such arrangements for the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Sulphate of Ammonia.
As the Deputy is aware, only the total value of imports and exports is at present being published. The information required by the Deputy regarding the quantity of sulphate of ammonia imported cannot, therefore be given. A quantity of sulphate of ammonia was imported, and was used solely in the manufacture of compound manures. The sulphate was obtained as a result of a special arrangement made with the United Kingdom authorities, details of which I am not prepared to disclose at this stage. I cannot hold out any prospect of concluding a further arrangement of this kind.
Does the Minister appreciate the importance of nitrogenous manures in the production of food and can he assure the House that every effort will be made to secure, so far as possible, any supplies which may be made available for this purpose?
I think that is the supplementary question which the Deputy intended to ask on Question No. 8.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he will state what efforts have been made to secure supplies of sulphate of ammonia for the coming season and what amount can be anticipated to be available as a result, and whether any of it is likely to be issued to farmers as a single manure.
From inquiries which have been made as to supplies of sulphate of ammonia for the coming season from external sources it appears that, owing to the scarcity of this commodity, there is little prospect of obtaining more than a relatively insignificant quantity for this country. Such supplies as may be available will not be issued to farmers as a single manure but will be utilised solely for the manufacture of compound manures.
Will the Minister now answer the Supplementary Question which I put?
I think I have answered it.
It is a very unsatisfactory answer.
It is a very unsatisfactory position.