asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the widespread deficiency in potash and the success that has attended the efforts of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, Teoranta, in securing supplies for the beet crop, he will state what efforts were made by his Department to secure supplies and what supplies are likely to be available for the coming sowing season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Potash.
Continuous efforts have been made by my Department and the other Departments concerned to secure supplies of potash. As a result:—
(a) 2,300 tons of 60 per cent. potash have been received from French sources and are being utilised in the manufacture of a compound fertiliser containing 6 per cent. potash.
(b) 6,000 tons additional are expected from the same source but, owing to internal transport conditions on the Continent, shipping delays and other reasons, it is not possible to state what quantity will arrive in time for use this season.
(c) 7,000 tons of 50-60 per cent. potash were allocated to this country by the Spanish authorities and my Department nominated Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann, Teoranta, as agents for the purchase, shipment and distribution of this allocation.
(d) 2,500 tons of 40 per cent. potash have been ordered from the United States zone of Germany. I am hopeful that this material may arrive in time for distribution through the ordinary trade channels.
If the quantities that are anticipated arrive, will they be available as a single manure?
Yes, I think they will. We have made ample provision for the compounding.
The Minister does not intend to put any more in the compound?
Not as far as I know.
In regard to that quantity of potash which Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann has been the purchaser of, will they be required to distribute any of it to potato growers as distinct from beet growers?
It was not the intention. It is all reserved to beet growers, unless there is some surplus.
And that will not be known until the best growers are finished?
Probably not.
Might I suggest to the Minister that he might ask Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann to request those who want potash to make a contract with them before a given date, so that they will be free to distribute the balance to potato growers if, at the given date, a request for all the quantity at their disposal has not reached them?
It would be a sensible course for the board to pursue to find out to what extent the beet growers would require this potash, in order that what would be over might be available to potato growers.
Quite, but might it not be reasonable to name a date, say 15th March?
The Deputy is having a debate, instead of asking questions.
No, Sir. The Minister says that the surplus potash may go to potato growers. Would the Minister not require Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann to ask the beet growers to state before the 15th March what they want and let the rest pass into use amongst potato growers? If it is kept until the middle of May, it will be of no use to anybody.
Would the Minister say whether the efforts of his Department or the efforts of Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann enabled the purchase of this particular quantity?
We are a very modest kind of people and we only claim credit for a deal of this kind when we are taxed too keenly by people like Deputy Hughes.
I am merely looking for information.
The Minister is aware that beet growers also grow potatoes —and we have first claim on it.
Now the cat is out of the bag.
Yes.