asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers are experiencing difficulty in securing the promised supplies of fertilisers, particularly for the beet and potato crops; further, whether he is satisfied that the needs of the beet-growing areas are being adequately attended to and if he will state whether increased supplies of fertilisers for the Carlow-Kilkenny area are likely to be made available in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertilisers for Carlow-Kilkenny Area.
I am aware that the demand for artificial fertilisers is in excess of available supplies, notwithstanding that in the present season a greater tonnage of home-manufactured and imported fertilisers has been distributed than at the corresponding date last year. I understand that manufacturers' stocks of fertilisers have been exhausted and that the supplies from current production and such small quantities as it may be possible to import are being distributed as equitably as possible on the basis of purchases in previous seasons. Additional supplies for the Carlow-Kilkenny area could only be provided at the expense of farmers in other districts.
Does the Minister not think that the beet-growing areas, where extensive tillage operations have been carried on for a great many years, are entitled to special consideration in the allocation of whatever fertilisers are available?
The Deputy will realise that I am not responsible for the position in regard to fertiliser supplies as it is at present, and, for his reassurance, I beg to inform him that next year the kind of scandalous scarcity which at present obtains will not occur.
Live horse and you will get grass.
Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.