asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider importing seed potatoes from Scotland in new varieties and in some of the successful old varieties with a view to revitalising domestic stocks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Scottish Seed Potatoes.
It is the practice of my Department to import nucleus stocks of new varieties of potatoes that give promise of particular merit.
There is a scheme in operation for the maintenance of healthy vigorous stocks of established varieties and there is nothing to be gained by importing such varieties.
I would like to refer the Deputy to an article on this subject in Vol. 41, No. 1 of my Department's Journal.
Will the Minister say if he has received representations from certain potato-growing areas that supplies of new seeds are very difficult to come by by the average grower? Can he suggest any centre of supply where persons who want vigorous new seed potatoes can get them in the domestic market?
I suppose there are demands from time to time for seed potatoes in certain areas. In such cases we try to put these people in touch with merchants in other areas who might have seed at their disposal.
Then I take it that if those farmers in Monaghan, particularly in the Carrickmacross area, who feel that there is need for new seed, will get in touch with the Department of Agriculture, the Department will, in turn, put them in touch with a source of reliable and vigorous seed on which they may depend?
As far as possible, yes.