asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will permit the export of early crop potatoes to Britain and Northern Ireland by growers in Rush and Skerries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Early Potatoes.
I am prepared to consider the grant of permits for the export, up to the 22nd June, of surplus early potatoes from Rush and Skerries. Consideration must, however, be given to the claims of other early-growing districts which have to depend on the strictly limited export market. Growers in Rush and Skerries have a remunerative market in Dublin.
Would the Minister permit the export of surplus quantities of potatoes?
I shall certainly consider any application received from that area. I would, however, bespeak the co-operation of the Deputy and his colleagues in that area to exhort the growers there to dispose of as great a part of their produce in Dublin as possible, so that room will be left for growers in other parts of the country to take advantage of the strictly limited foreign market.
Would the Minister extend the time beyond the 22nd June?
Gladly, if it were within my power to do so; unfortunately in this case the dates are fixed by the buyer and not by the seller.