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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1948

Vol. 113 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Oat Crops.

Mr. Lehane

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider compensating farmers who can prove that they were compelled for financial or storage reasons to sell this season's oats during the last three months at an uneconomic price.

It would not be feasible to make arrangements on the lines suggested by the Deputy.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the arrangements being made for the purchase of oats by his Department and the price to be paid to growers.

A scheme will be operated, through the agency of Messrs. Grain Importers (Éire), Limited, whereby grain merchants in different localities throughout the country will purchase a substantial quantity of oats from growers. Such oats must, of course, be in good, sound condition.

Under this scheme a price of 28/- per barrel will be paid for oats bushelling 40 lbs., with price adjustments upwards or downwards according as the bushel weight varies from that standard.

The merchants concerned will themselves publish advertisements in the very near future.

Can the Minister state when this scheme will operate?

I hope the scheme will be in operation within the next 48 hours. An initial panel of merchants already has been approved.

Can the Minister state, for the information of the House, if all recognised corn merchants who have purchased corn in the local towns will be allowed to operate under this scheme, or only a certain number?

At the moment I will not say definitely yes, or definitely no, but certainly any application from any reputable corn merchant will be fully and sympathetically considered.

Is the Minister waiting to see how the cat jumps?

It all depends. If the cat over there will stop jumping, perhaps we will be able to get on better.

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