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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1948

Vol. 113 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export of Potatoes.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will take steps to ensure that producers will get the full benefit of the £10 per ton which the British Government is paying for 50,000 tons of our potatoes; and if he will also ensure that this market is not given to speculators who buy potatoes from farmers at "glut" prices.

The price the British Ministry of Food agreed to pay is £10 13s. 6d. f.o.b. Deductions in respect of transport and other marketing costs must be made to arrive at the price payable to the grower. This will vary according to the district in which the grower resides. The potatoes will be purchased by licensed potato merchants and will be subject to inspection for grading and soundness by this Department's inspectors. The Department will ensure that growers get a fair price for all potatoes sold under the arrangement.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, is it correct then that growers are not going to get £10 per ton?

If the Deputy understands plain English, of course it is correct.

That is all I want.

There was never any concealment about it.

If the Minister admits that, that is all I want.

£10 13s. 6d. f.o.b. for what would be unsaleable, if the Deputy were sitting over here.

Paid to the merchants.

You are a great help to your Party.

That is more than can be said for you.

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