asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that there is urgent need for a supply of oats and potatoes for seed purposes in County Leitrim; and if he will take steps to provide supplies as soon as possible for this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supplies of Seed Oats and Potatoes.
I understand that the position as regards supplies of seed oats and seed potatoes in County Leitrim generally is reasonably satisfactory. A scarcity of such seed usually arises every year in a few small areas in the county, but the deficiency is normally made good through the ordinary trade channels. As regards seed oats, I explained, in reply to the Deputy's question on the 26th February last, that owing to the impossibility of getting suitable supplies in this country, endeavours were being made to procure a quantity from Great Britain. These endeavours were successful and a substantial part of the allocation for County Leitrim is already being distributed. The balance of the allocation, which has been held up at Glasgow port owing to labour troubles, is expected to arrive within the next few days and will be distributed without delay. Quantities of both seed oats and seed potatoes have already been distributed in the county under my Department's seed distribution scheme.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is there a controlled price fixed for seed potatoes?
No.
I find that the price varies with different merchants. To one merchant you may pay 4/- a stone and to another merchant 2/8 per stone. I have a receipt here in my pocket myself for British Queens. I think there should be some control.
No complaints have been made to me under that heading.
I make the complaint now, Sir.