asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can indicate: (a) what are the prospects of early potato growers in Erris for this year as far as the export market to England is concerned; (b) what price will be offered on the English market, for early potatoes, for each of the months of May, June and July, and (c) how long will this market be open for early potatoes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - English Market for Early Potatoes.
An arrangement has been made with the British Ministry of Food for the purchase of all early potatoes which we place on the British market not later than 22nd June. Early potatoes grown in Erris will be included in this arrangement provided that they are dispatched in time to arrive in Great Britain by the date mentioned at latest.
The actual prices have not yet been determined but they should be better than those paid last year.
Is the Minister prepared to say that the price paid for these potatoes will be as good as could be obtained from countries other than Britain?
Has the Deputy any propositions to make?
I have asked the Minister can he say whether the same price will be obtained for these potatoes supplied to Britain as he would be able to get for potatoes supplied elsewhere?
I trust to be able to sell them at the best price available in the British market and without payment of any 6 per cent. to any entrepreneur.
That is not an answer to the question.
I have asked the Minister a question which is of national importance. I do not know what he means by “entrepreneur”. A few seconds ago, as the Chair is aware, the Minister talked about the price of pigs and the costs of production are not to be disclosed because it would not be in the interests of the pig producers to let the public know the extent of the profit he envisages in that industry. I have asked a simple question of paramount national importance. Are we going to get from Britain as high a price for our exports of potatoes as would be offered elsewhere and I would like an answer to that question in that form?
If the Deputy wants an answer to that question he had better put it down.