asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the price of grass seeds for the 1944 season has been increased on an average by 7/6 per bushel as compared with 1943; and, if so, if he will state the reasons for this increase and also what steps he proposes to take to reduce the price to a reasonable figure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Grass Seeds.
I am aware that the price of grass seeds in the current season has increased as compared with 1943, but I do not think that the increase is as great as that mentioned by the Deputy.
The principal causes are the increased prices paid to growers for home-grown rye-grass seed and the greatly increased cost of all imported seeds.
The Department of Agriculture has been consulted on this matter, and having regard to the cost of seeds the prices being charged by merchants are not considered unreasonable.