asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that the potato crop, both main and early, in Wexford was particularly bad this year, and whether he will take timely steps to procure seed potatoes, both early and main crop, at economic prices for the potato growers of Wexford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seed Potatoes for Wexford Growers.
I do not agree with the suggestion in the first part of the Deputy's question. Special measures, such as he suggests in the second part, are, in my opinion, not necessary.
Arising out of the Minister's weak reply, I wish the Minister for Agriculture were here, as the present Minister knows as much about potato growing as I do about flying to heaven.
That is not a supplementary question.
With your permission, I want to tell the Minister that we had very heavy frost in May and June in Wexford, which cut the potatoes away. It was followed by a wet July, which brought blight to the country. We are very short of sprayers and it is plain that we have not quarter enough potatoes to feed the population. It is the worst crop of potatoes I remember for years and I am sure, if the Minister for Agriculture were here, he would understand it, but his deputy here cannot answer the question.
I was waiting for a supplementary question, but I have not heard it yet.