asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that in some cases deductions for screenings amounting to 5/- per barrel were made by Messrs. Irish Grain, Ltd., for wheat purchased in the Carrick-on-Suir district; and, if so, if he will state what steps he has taken to ensure that the provisions of the Cereal Order (170), so far as the farmers' interests are concerned, are properly carried out; and if he will inquire into the justification for deductions for high percentage of screenings in wheat delivered to the above company in the cases of Richard Curran, Cregg, Carrick-on-Suir, and Michael Power, Dowling, Piltown.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Deductions for Wheat Screenings.
As regards the two cases mentioned by the Deputy, I understand these growers have been paid the full price to which the bushel weight of their wheat entitled them.
The provision in the Emergency Powers (Cereals) Order, 1945, under which a deduction of 6d. a barrel may be made from the standard prices in respect of each 1 per cent. by which the quantity of screenings in a particular consignment of wheat exceeds 4 per cent., is designed to check the increasing tendency on the part of some growers to include excessive quantities of screenings, which may be oats, barley, weed seeds, etc., in consignments of wheat sent by them to the flour mills. I do not consider that the interests of the general body of wheat growers are adversely affected by the operation of this provision.
I wonder if the Minister for Agriculture has satisfied himself that the deductions for screenings in the particular cases mentioned in the question were justified?
In these two cases they have been paid the full price.
That is not the point. I am asking if the Minister has satisfied himself that the deductions made are justified and what sort of machinery there is to look after the farmers' interests in such cases.
The Minister is satisfied that the growers have been paid the full price to which the bushel weight of the wheat entitled them.
But that is not the point. I am asking about deductions after that. The reply goes on to refer to deductions for screenings and in those cases 5/- per barrel is deducted under that head. Has the Minister provided any machinery under the regulations to ensure that the deductions so made are justified in the circumstances?
I will bring that point to the notice of the Minister for Agriculture.