asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state, with reference to lime and ground limestone subsidised for agricultural purposes for each of the years 1942, 1943 and 1944, (a) the total quantities used; (b) the rates of subsidy in operation; (c) the total subsidy paid, and (d) the average cost including subsidy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Subsidies.
The information asked for by the Deputy is contained in a statement which will be circulated in the Official Reports.
The following are the particulars asked for:—
I.—LIME SUBSIDY SCHEME OPERATED BY COUNTY COMMITTEES OF AGRICULTURE
|
Year |
Total quantities used |
Rate of subsidy in operation (average)† |
Total subsidy paid |
Average cost, including subsidy |
|
tons |
per ton |
£ |
per ton |
|
|
1942 |
62,672 |
17/11 |
56,015 |
37/3 |
|
1943 |
62,897 |
19/– |
59,686 |
40/6 |
|
1944* |
— |
— |
— |
— |
*The delivery season under the 1944 Scheme terminated only on 31st January, 1945, and final particulars of the results of the working of that Scheme will not be available for some months to come.
†Each Committee has its own arrangements as regards the rate of subsidy and the rates vary from county to county.
Ground limestone was not included in the Scheme, but in the Scheme for 1945 it is being included in a number of counties.
II.—LIME SUBSIDY SCHEME OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN CONGESTED DISTRICTS.
|
Year |
Total quantities used |
Rate of subsidy in operation (average)* |
Total subsidy paid |
Average cost, including subsidy |
|
tons |
per ton |
£ |
per ton |
|
|
1942 |
6,352 |
28/3 |
8,971 |
45/- |
|
1943 |
5,200 |
33/- |
8,586 |
54/- |
|
1944† |
— |
— |
— |
— |
*The rate of subsidy varies in the different districts and according as lime is home-burnt in small kilns or purchased from contractors.
† Figures for 1944 are not yet available.
This Scheme is worked in conjunction with the Farm Improvements Scheme and is intended to assist participants in the latter Scheme in applying dressings of lime to reclaimed plots of waste land. The Scheme is confined to smallholders with valuation not exceeding £20.