asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the personnel of the two companies (a) Associated Seedgrowers Ltd., (b) Seed Producers Ltd., and whether these companies have now a monopoly of seed imports, and what statutory or other official authority they have; further what research work on seed varieties they have carried out and what qualifications or experience have they had in the breeding of new varieties of wheat, oats, etc., or in improving the yields of existing varieties.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seed Imports.
As regards the information asked for in the first part of the question I would refer the Deputy to the Companies Registration Office, Dublin Castle; the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative; as regards the third part, each company is the holder of an Agricultural Seeds Licence granted under the Emergency Powers (No. 254) Order. In reply to the fourth part, the companies have during this emergency gained considerable experience in the home production of certain classes of root and vegetable seeds and they carry out experimental work in connection with the improvement of strains of these classes of seeds. They are not engaged in the production of seeds or varieties of wheat or oats.
Will the Minister say if he has received representations from a number of growers and a number of co-operative societies throughout the country to the effect that these societies have a monopoly in certain ways which militates against co-operative societies and ordinary growers in the country?
I do not think there is very much ground for the complaint.
Will the Minister say if he has received representations?
I have received one or two representations of the kind.
Will the Minister say if he has considered them?
I have and I have answered them satisfactorily.