asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity of wheat imported during the period March 1st-September 1st, 1948, from each country from which supplies were received; the quantities in store in this country on each of these dates; and the wheat equivalent of total flour and bread consumption during the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wheat Imports.
The quantity of wheat imported during the period March 1st-September 1st, 1948, was 158,802 tons as follows:—
|
Australia |
83,000 tons |
|
Argentine |
73,586 tons |
|
United States |
2,216 tons |
Wheat stocks on 1st March, 1948, were 64,498 tons and on 1st September, 1948, 40,281 tons.
The wheat equivalent of the total flour and bread consumption during the same period was 220,000 tons.
Is it not obvious from the reply given by the Minister that if wheat had not been imported from the Argentine during that period a cut in the ration would be essential?
The only obvious thing which arises from the reply is that if Deputy Lemass's improvident purchase had not been made the Exchequer would have been saved £1,500,000.
Is it not obvious, however, that one half of the total supply of wheat consumed in this country in that period was wheat imported from the Argentine and if that had not been available the ration of bread and flour would have had to be reduced by one half?
If that grotesque purchase had not been hung round my neck, it would be quite easy to get it from other sources.
Will the Minister say from what other sources it could be obtained?
Any further information which the Deputy wants on that——
Answer the question.
——had better be made the subject of a Parliamentary question and abundant information will be forthcoming.
Has not the Minister stated that he could have got supplies from other sources?
Yes.
From what other sources?
If the Deputy will put down a question to elicit the information, I will give it to him in detail.
Where he got the British eggs from.