asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he endorses the pledge given in Dáil Éireann by his predecessor that farmers whose lands are unsuitable for wheat will not be pressed to grow the full statutory quota.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat-Growing Quotas.
I do not accept the principle that the Minister should determine individual cases on their merits and for this tillage year the law must be impartially enforced in accordance with its provisions.
Is the Minister aware that a definite promise was given by his predecessor in this connection? It is most undesirable now, in the middle of the sowing season, to depart from the policy adopted by his immediate predecessor.
I trust the Deputy will excuse me from expressing any views on what my distinguished predecessor did or did not do. I can only state my position in regard to it and assure him that everything possible will be done to avoid undue hardship, but there can be no qualification of the statement I have just made.