asked the Minister for Agriculture if, with a view to securing increased agricultural production, it is his intention to provide increased prices for agricultural produce; and if he has considered the desirability of paying acreage subsidies on certain tillage crops, as in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Agricultural Produce Prices.
I do not propose to introduce a system of acreage subsidies with a view to increasing agricultural production. I hope to make an announcement on the tillage programme for next year in the near future.
Is the Minister aware that the return from this year's wheat crop is 50 per cent. Below normal?
There is nothing about the return from this year's wheat crop in Question No. 57.
Is the Minister aware that the British Government have fixed prices for agricultural produce for the period ending 1952, which are substantially higher than those prevailing in this country for similar produce and that, in addition, there are acreage subsidies which are very desirable inducements to the farmer with inferior land who is compelled to till? Is the Minister prepared to adopt a similar system in this country with a view to encouraging an expansion of agricultural production?
The Minister tries to make himself aware of all the circumstances surrounding a matter of this kind before coming to a decision.
Are we to take it that the Minister has no intention of giving any decent return to the agricultural community, and that he intends to rely upon force, and force alone, in order to secure an expansion of agricultural production, while in neighbouring countries fair and reasonable inducements are offered to the farmers?
The agricultural community know that I am bubbling over with decency.
I give notice, Sir, that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
"Grow more wheat," and salvoes of applause from the Fianna Fáil benches!