asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that a letter from Limerick seed merchants has been circulated to the retail trade, which states (1) that American cabbage seed imported to Dublin at 7/- per lb. has been resold to the retail trade at 15/- per lb. wholesale; (2) English cabbage seed in variety imported to Dublin at 550/- to 600/- per cwt. has been resold at 1018/- to 1120/- per cwt.; (3) English Swede in variety imported to Dublin at 180/- per cwt. is being offered at 255/- per cwt.; (4) English mangel and half sugar mangel imported at 120/- per cwt. is being offered at 155/- per cwt., and (5) kales show a handsome profit of over 100/- per cwt., and that these latter prices are those at which one could sell retail and the former are the offers by English wholesale firms; and if he can state whether the position as represented in the letter is substantially correct; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to prevent the possibility of such profiteering on essential seeds for food production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seeds—Wholesale and Retail Prices.
I am not aware of the contents of the letter referred to by the Deputy.
The prices of mangel, swede and turnip seed are controlled by Order, being based on the cost of native seeds. The wholesale prices mentioned by the Deputy are those fixed under the Order for wholesale sales of quantities of ten cwts. or less. It would not be practicable to distinguish in a Prices Order between native and imported seeds.
The financial accounts of a representative number of seedsmen are examined from time to time and the profits shown are not considered unreasonable. The cost and selling prices of cabbage and kale seeds are at present being investigated, but it would appear that, in general, the prices quoted by the Deputy are not correct. English cabbage seed for example is now costing 6/6 per lb. f.o.b. Liverpool, and is being sold wholesale in many cases at 7/9 per lb. less 2½ per cent cash discount.
I would point out that seed prices generally are at a somewhat lower level this year than last year.
Does the Minister realise that, where seeds are imported at a lower price than the cost of native seeds, under this regulation the trader is permitted to net a handsome profit?
I am not aware that such is the case. The Deputy will appreciate that where seeds are imported from America and from Great Britain and grown at home the Maximum Prices Order cannot make provision for all the circumstances, nor is it practicable to distinguish between one type of seed and another. In so far as seeds for which maximum prices have been fixed are concerned, there is no indication that excessive profits have been taken. In the case of cabbage seed, in particular, prices were high when only American seeds were available, but they fell when English seeds became available.
I am aware that seeds have been imported at a lower price than the cost of native seeds here. Does not the Minister agree that where that is so, if seeds can be imported at a lower price than native seeds, then the person entitled to the benefit from that is the producer and not the trader? Will the Minister take steps to ensure that that is so?
The only practical step is to fix maximum prices beyond which the seeds cannot be sold.