asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what are the prospects for flax growers for the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flax Cultivation.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the average grade and price of flax in each year since the grading of flax commenced in 1939; further, if he is aware that since the grading of flax commenced there is a tendency to grade the flax lower, and if he will state the reasons why, although there are six grades, most of the flax is placed in the fifth and sixth grades.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in relation to the grading of flax (a) whether there is any person, other than an inspector of the Department, to whom a farmer, not satisfied with the grading of his flax, can appeal, and (b) whether he is satisfied that the grading system operates to give farmers the fullest value for their crop of flax.
As questions numbered 23, 24 and 25 relate to the same subject, I propose, with your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, to take them together.
The prospects for flax-growing in 1947 are better than I had thought some months ago. I expect that an increased price will be paid for next year's crop.
The average price per stone paid for flax in each year since 1939, and the grades between which the average price fell were:—
|
1939 |
13s. |
6d. |
Grades3 and 4. |
|
1940 |
19s. |
5d. |
,,,,,,,, |
|
1941 |
21s. |
10d. |
,,,,,,,, |
|
1942 |
25s. |
2d. |
,,,,,,,, |
|
1943 |
28s. |
7d. |
,,,,,,,, |
|
1944 |
28s. |
2d. |
,,4 and 5 |
|
1945 |
26s. |
4d. |
,,,,,,,, |
The reports which I have received indicate that the standard of grading has been maintained on a uniform basis having regard to the quality of the flax offered for sale each season.
A seller of flax has no appeal if dissatisfied with the grading. I have no reason, however, to think that the existing system of grading operates unfairly to growers.
Am I to understand that the inspector from the Northern Ireland Board of Trade is the only person to whom a flax grower can appeal if he is not satisfied with the price he is getting for his produce?
Strictly speaking, that is true. I think, however, that the Deputy is probably aware that at most flax markets there are inspectors from my Department who are, at least, observers and would probably help the grower if they thought he was not getting a fair grading.
Is the Minister aware that the graders at the flax markets in Éire speak in a disparaging tone regarding Éire-grown flax and at times pull and toss the fibre in a most careless manner and throw it on the ground, thereby creating amongst growers an element of discontent as to what the flax is worth before it is graded, notwithstanding the terrible amount of hardship which growers have to undergo in order to save their flax crop?
I will remember that.
Has the Minister received any guarantee from the British Central Purchasing Commission that they will continue to purchase a specified quantity of flax from Ireland for any given period of years?
No. The Board of Trade is not disposed to make any promise beyond a year-to-year basis.
I suppose the Minister has directed attention to the fact that if they continue to maintain that position it will be extremely difficult to maintain the acreage of flax in this country?
We have.
And they just will not do anything about it? They are very silly people.