asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the approximate quantities of artificial manures that are likely to be available for the coming season, and the approximate prices for each variety.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Manures.
I propose, a Chinn Chomhairle, with your permission, to circulate with the Official Report a statement giving particulars of the quantities of artificial fertilisers likely to be available and the prices at which they will be sold.
Following is the statement:—
Superphosphate—120,000 tons 35 per cent. quality; maximum retail price £11 per ton.
Basic Slag—10,000 tons; no maximum price has been fixed but prices will range from £11 to £12 10s.0d. per ton according to locality.
Semsol—10,000 tons; maximum price £9 10s. 0d. per ton.
Ground North African Phosphate-10,000 tons; maximum price £9 per ton.
Sulphate of Ammonia—23,800 tons approximately to be delivered before the end of June, 1948. Actual imports available for use will depend upon shipments. 21,000 tons will probably be shipped in time for next cropping season. Of this, 15,000 tons will be available for straight sale. No maximum price has been fixed but the retail price will be in the neighbourhood of £16-£17 per ton.
Special Potato Manure—25,000 tons. The composition of the fertiliser has been improved and it will contain 20 per cent soluble phosphate, 2 per cent. citric soluble phosphate, 2 per cent. insoluble phosphate, 4 per cent. nitrogen and 8 per cent. potash; maximum retail price £13 per ton.
Nitrate of Soda and Muriate of Potash are being imported for distribution to the growers of sugar beet on the same basis as last year. In addition, it is expected that there will be some supplies of potash available for direct sale. Prices of the nitrate of soda or of the muriate of potash cannot yet be determined.