asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the prices charged to farmers here for artificial manure are much higher than those prevailing in Great Britain; and if he will take steps to remove the disparity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prices of Artificial Manure.
I am aware that the retail prices of artificial manures are higher here than in Great Britain due mainly to the fact that the British fertiliser industry is heavily subsidised. In present circumstances I am not prepared to recommend the Government to subsidise the fertiliser industry here. I am hopeful that as supplies become more plentiful and competition keener the price of fertilisers will show a reduction; exact comparisons are difficult to make on account of the incidence of transport and handling charges, but it may be noted that ground rock phosphate in 1948 cost the farmer £9 per ton retail. In the 1949 season, it is available at £6 15s. ex-factory.
Will the Minister say what was the difference in the wholesale price for ground rock phosphate in 1947-48, and the present price?
I do not know. Personally, my concern continually turns to what the manures cost the farmer who buys them. Last year the farmer bought ground rock phosphate at £9 per-ton, and this year he can buy it at £6 15s. ex-factory. I think that represents a somewhat substantial reduction. I hope to keep bringing down the price to the farmers every year.
Can the Minister assure us that super-phosphate will be cheaper this year than last year?
I cannot give that assurance because I am not certain that it will. Anything that I can do to assure that it will, will most certainly be done this year, next year and the year after.
Will the Minister do something to carry out the promises of Clann na Talmhan to give free manures and not manures that are dearer than they were last year?
You did it?
They promised free manures.