asked the Minister for Supplies if, in view of the fact that the pressure on shipping space is now easing off and that agricultural land is badly in need of artificial manures, he will endeavour to secure the importation of phosphates from North Africa and also sulphate of ammonia and potash.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Phosphates.
There has been no reduction in the demands on the limited tonnage available for the shipment of goods from abroad.
The quantities of phosphate rock imported from North Africa for the current fertiliser season are sufficient to provide about 50 per cent. more super-phosphate than was available last year. The supplies of sulphate of ammonia and potash that can be obtained are very small but this is mainly due to the fact that export licences cannot be obtained in the supplying countries.
Is there any possibility of our bartering anything for potash and sulphate, as the country is in dire need of both?
Not the slightest.