asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether, where farmers have completed their tillage quota and can prove they have grown more wheat than such quota provided for under the Tillage Order, he will grant permits to such farmers, on application, to purchase barley for stock feeding where evidence is forthcoming that barley for such purpose cannot be grown to advantage by them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Barley for Stock Feeding.
The answer is in the negative. It would be impracticable to give effect to the Deputy's suggestion.
In view of the fact that the people on whose behalf I ask this question went to a considerable amount of expense some years ago to erect buildings in connection with bacon production and so on; that at present their land is in a very high condition of fertility; that they cannot grow barley to advantage, but are prepared to grow more than their quota of wheat, provided they get a permit to purchase barley, would the Minister not consider granting such permits? It would be in the interest of the nation if the Minister could see his way to grant these permits for the purchase of barley, as this land is in such a high condition of fertility that the farmers can produce 12 to 14 barrels of wheat to the acre.
I am afraid the scheme would not be practicable.
Could the Minister say why?
The reason is obvious—in view of the inspection and the returns which would be necessary.
You mean barley is not available?
It will be available, I hope.