asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the general dissatisfaction arising out of the prohibition of the import of foreign tomatoes, he will revoke the Order forthwith.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports of Tomatoes.
I am not prepared to accede to the Deputy's suggestion. In view of the considerable misunderstanding that seems to have grown up around this matter, I think it well to say that the existing Order is similar to one that has been made for 11 years past. The Order does not absolutely ban the importation of tomatoes but prohibits their importation except under licence. Since the Order came into operation on the 12th June, a quantity of tomatoes has been imported under licence. There are no applications for import licences before my Department at present. The object of the Order is, of course, to prevent the prices of home-grown tomatoes being unduly depressed when the crop becomes available.
May I ask if the date of the Order is any earlier this year than in previous years?
It is about the same.
Would the Minister not agree that the Order was made a little too early, in view of the small supply of home-grown tomatoes available and that it would be more appropriate if it were made three weeks hence?
It is necessary to make these Orders so that there will not be stocking up against the home crop. If there is an application for an import licence, it will be considered. There are certain countries in respect of which we will not grant licences, because of the danger of certain diseases being brought in.
Will the Minister agree that home-grown tomatoes at between 5/- and 6/6 per lb. are beyond the reach of the average person?
Somebody is buying them, although tomatoes at 1/4 per lb. were available to them.
Somebody is buying them, but the average person is not able to buy them.
No. They were buying them at 6/6 when imported tomatoes were freely available at 1/4.
Why then put on the embargo?
Why did you stop them?
We have not stopped them. We have refused no applications for a licence and there is no application for a licence before us at present.
Why are they not coming in?
Let us have an application for a licence.