asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that, after the recent bad harvest, quantities of damaged wheat were purchased at a rate of from 10/- to 12/- a barrel under the fixed price, on the grounds that it was unmillable; and if he will state how this wheat was ultimately disposed of.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damaged Wheat.
I am aware that small quantities of unmillable wheat of the 1946 crop were purchased by flour millers at the price mentioned by the Deputy. These quantities were, with the consent of the Minister for Industry and Commerce, disposed of to manufacturers of compound feeding stuffs.
They say they did not hear any such a thing at all. It is generally believed by the farmers that the rate was cut 10/- or 12/- a barrel. It was kiln dried and went bad when mixed with the miniver. I think it is very unfair to consumers and farmers.
The Deputy should be thankful that we have so much bread of any kind.
Say that again. We did not hear you.
The Deputy should not complain about having so much bread in the country.
I am not complaining about too much bread. I am talking about malty bread.
4,000 barrels of wheat were sent by the flour millers for feeding stuffs.
While I and men like me want feeding stuffs and we cannot get them. I say there is no such feeding stuff in the country.