asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the buyers for Irish Grain, Limited, are paying much lower prices for wheat in Leix than buyers for another firm; and if he will receive a deputation, representing the wheat growers affected, in order to discuss the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Purchases by Irish Grain, Limited.
I have received no request from wheat growers to meet a deputation in regard to this matter. I have received a complaint on behalf of certain wheat agents as to alleged discrepancies between the prices paid for wheat by Irish Grain, Limited, and another firm and I am having this complaint looked into. I will be prepared later, if such a course is in my opinion necessary, to see a deputation from the wheat agents in regard to this matter.
Is the Minister aware that a certain amount of dissatisfaction has been expressed by wheat growers throughout the whole County of Laoighis who disposed of their wheat to Irish Grain, Limited and later discovered they could have got a much higher price for it from another firm purchasing wheat? Could the Minister say if the representations which he has received from the wheat agents were made to him on behalf of the wheat growers of the area and would he not consider that such representations should have been for the wheat growers rather than the agents?
I am only aware of what I have said. Anyhow, if the representations I have received were made by the agents on behalf of the growers, it seems extraordinary that the growers would not have a keener interest in their own business than to have agents make representations to me on their behalf.
If there are certain firms going to pay a higher price and give a better margin, will the Minister take steps to ensure that every firm that is granted a licence to purchase wheat will pay the same amount? If it is possible, it should be done.
The Minister has been told of a complaint received and the people from whom he received the complaint; and I am trying to find out about how much there is in the whole matter.