asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the inadequate supplies of suitable varieties of seed wheat for last season, he will now indicate what steps he has taken to ensure that ample supplies of suitable varieties will be available for the coming season.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply of Seed Wheat.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that it will be necessary to import both the winter and spring varieties of seed wheat this year in order to ensure the continued output of wheat in the country; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to answer questions Nos. 32 and 33 together. Permits have been issued to seedsmen for the purchase from growers of approximately 180,000 barrels of seed wheat of winter varieties, and progress towards receiving that quantity has been made by the assemblers. Permits have been issued for the assembly of approximately 380,000 barrels of seed of spring varieties and progress is being also made in this direction. These quantities represent an increase of 33? per cent. on those for the past season. Arrangements have also been made under which flour millers will hold a reserve of about 70,000 barrels, largely of spring varieties, for use in case of any shortage. In addition, many farmers will, in accordance with their usual practice, retain good samples of seed wheat for themselves. It will not be practicable to import seed wheat.
Will the Minister take precautions to ensure that the millers will keep for this seed reserve all the Atle spring wheat they can lay hands on?
Yes, Atle has been particularly mentioned.
And the Minister will see that, where appropriate, the Atle wheat which is received first in this reserve fund will be given out for seed before using any for milling purposes.
Yes, the Atle has been particularly mentioned.
Does the Minister realise that a considerable amount of adulteration has been shown in the Atle and will he say what inspection is made prior to growing the crop?
At the time of the discussion on the Estimate, I explained very fully to the Dáil what is being done to get pure line seeds. It would take too long to go into that matter now.