I had an interview this evening with the Minister for Agriculture in connection with this question, that is, the setting up of a tribunal to inquire into costings, so that farmers will get a reasonable price for their produce. The Minister informs me—and he has authorised me to make the statement here in the House—that he is going forward as quickly as possible with the setting up of that tribunal. Some proposals are being made, and they will appear here in the immediate future in the form of a Bill for the setting up of a tribunal. While that tribunal is being set up and is issuing its findings, some steps should be taken by the Government to ensure that the dairying industry would not be allowed to fall into a condition from which it would be very difficult to retrieve it later on. I also wish, as a representative of the farmers, to urge their feelings and their wishes, that the price of wheat should be increased during the coming year, so as to encouage them to grow more wheat.
Private Deputies' Business. - Agricultural Produce Motions—Business of Dáil.
The Deputy is inclined to discuss a motion that he is not going to move. He cannot have it both ways.
In any case, the Minister has told me that this thing is coming off immediately.
And the Deputy is satisfied?
I accept the Minister's assurance that that is so.
As seconder of the motion, I would like to have the position put rather clearly.
It is either accepted or not. That is what I want to know. There is nothing before the House except the statement that the Deputy is satisfied not to move this motion.
I understand the Minister is not available to-night, and in that case I suggest that the motion be adjourned until he is. This is motion No. 3.
Deputy Halliden is satisfied that it should not be moved at all.
Well, the seconder has some right. I want to draw to the attention of the House that there is an amendment down to this particular motion also, which I have agreed to accept.
If the motion falls, the amendment surely falls. You cannot amend a motion that is not there. We will take No. 5 and the Deputy may raise the point again, if he is not happy about it.
I would like, in regard to motion No. 4, to say that I accept the guarantee given by the Minister and, therefore, I am not moving the motion. But like Deputy Halliden, I am anxious, and I think it is a matter of urgent public importance to the people of the State——
To discuss it without moving it?
No, but I am anxious, as it will be two or three months before the Minister will have this Bill ready for introduction. In the meantime, the season for wheat is going. The Government's intentions as regards the importance of the wheat crop can only be judged by their actions. The price of wheat to the farmer has been reduced by £1 a ton, while the price of barley has been increased by 15/- per ton.
What is the Deputy speaking to now?
To the motion he has withdrawn.
If the interruptions would cease, we would know where we are. I am speaking, I believe, to the Minister, to appeal to the Minister, on the withdrawal of the motion.
The Deputy is not in order.
What has the Minister for Justice to do with it?
What has Deputy Flanagan to do with it, who does not sow or reap?
At least I eat all I can get. The Minister for Industry and Commerce has seen to that.
The Deputy must move motion No. 4 or not move it. He cannot have it both ways. He wants to make a speech.
I hope it will be a tighter ration next year. Then this will be understood better.