asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that flax buyers from Northern Ireland are buying flax in the markets in Monaghan at less than controlled price; if he will ensure that inspectors attend these markets in future and prosecute any buyers who will not give the controlled price according to grade; if he will state whether the inspectors are competent to grade or judge the grade of flax; whether these inspectors can insist on grade being recognised; if there is an agreement between our Government and the Government of Northern Ireland or of Great Britain on the price of flax; whether a levy of 2/6 on flax exists or has existed; if so, what is the annual amount collected therefrom and how has this fund been disposed of in each year since 1940.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flax Prices.
While it is quite true that flax producers sometimes complain of the manner in which their produce is treated by the graders it is difficult to see a suitable solution for this problem. The number of complaints reaching my Department under this head is not very great. There is an agreement with the British Board of Trade on the price of flax. Particulars of the prices payable to growers for the 1947 flax crop were announced in the daily papers of the 21st February last. There is no levy of any kind on flax.