asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the wages of agricultural workers have been substantially increased since the price of wheat for the current season was fixed, he will take steps to ensure that farmers are recouped by a corresponding increase in the price of wheat.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Wheat.
It is not proposed to make any increase in the price already announced for wheat of the 1948 crop, viz., 62/6 per barrel.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that this price of 62/6 per barrel was fixed prior to the recent increase in wages to agricultural workers? In view of that fact, does the Minister not think that there is now no margin of profit for the unfortunate producer having regard to the increased wages?
I am aware of the date when the price of 62/6 was first made as the fixed price for wheat in this year and I am aware that this Government has guaranteed that price for five years. If the farmers are not content with that it will be a source of amazement to me.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, in view of the fact that the price of wheat has been fixed for five years, will the Minister give an equally emphatic guarantee that farming costs will not be increased during the same period?
Sin ceist eile.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he had in mind the recent increase in agricultural wages when making his statement at the recent consultative council meeting regarding a guaranteed price of 62/6 per barrel for wheat for the next five years.
The Government, in arriving at the guaranteed price of 62/6 per barrel for wheat during the next five years, had in mind all the relevant factors including the one mentioned by the Deputy.