asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that, since wheat offals, i.e., bran and pollard, were reduced in price from approximately £18 per ton to £12 per ton, feeders can buy them only in small quantities at the reduced price, as they are being put into compound mixtures and sold at higher prices; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Offals.
This is the period of the year when bran and pollard are in greatest demand and, no doubt, in endeavouring to give some supply to all their customers, traders cannot give as much to individuals as they did when there were fewer buyers. The quantity now being made available for use by compound feeding stuffs manufacturers is no greater than when the price was higher. All such manufacturers have been warned that they must not exceed the quantities specified in their licences and that, if they do so, their supplies may be cut off altogether.
What steps are being taken to ascertain accurately that quantities of bran and pollard are not being diverted to the production of compound feeding stuffs? Is there not every likelihood of their being so diverted, in view of the higher prices of compound feeding stuffs?
One would imagine that, but their books, sales dockets and so on are examined from time to time, and that is the only inspection that can be carried out.