asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that, as a result of the present glut in the potato market, many farmers who normally grew potatoes for sale may not do so this year; and, if so, whether, in view of the proximity of the potato planting season, he will make a statement immediately on the future prospects of the potato industry (seed and ware) with particular reference to the present year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Prospects of Potato Industry.
Mr. Blaney
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy and I see no reason why farmers should reduce the acreage under potatoes because of the fact that we had a bountiful crop in 1948. As regards prospects for the 1949 crop I expect that the British Ministry of Food will take 50,000 tons of ware potatoes at the 1948 price and that there will be an increased outlet on the home market for potatoes for live-stock feeding. Negotiations are at present in progress regarding the export of seed potatoes of the 1949 crop but I am not yet in a position to make a definite statement in the matter. Any farmer, however, who is not prepared to undertake pig feeding in the event of his potato crop exceeding his expectations would be wise to reconsider his general attitude to the profession in life which he has chosen.
He can grow flax.
Mr. Blaney
In connection with the prospect of a market for the seed potatoes of the 1949 crop, set out in the question, and also the prospects of the seed potato industry for the future, would the Minister state if or when he hopes to be in a position to indicate to the farmers concerned what price or market he may expect to obtain in the coming season?
The position is, in regard to transactions of that kind, that I have to do the best I can to persuade our customer to declare the price he is prepared to pay as soon as I can constrain him to do so. I can assure the Deputy that everything possible is being done to get a firm price which we can communicate to those who are concerned and who partake in the seed potato industry. I expect to have it very shortly.
Mr. Blaney
Will the Minister not consider that it is getting very late in the season, and unless there is some definite information available for farmers, particularly in the case of seed potatoes, there may be less of them grown than in former years, and it is possible that the market which the Minister hopes to procure may come too late to encourage farmers to grow potatoes for it?
I explained to the Deputy that there will be a very substantial market, both in Great Britain and elsewhere, for seed potatoes for the 1949 crop. I anticipate the prices will be satisfactory, but I cannot give him exact details of the prices yet as I have not got them. I am, however, conscious of the necessity for having them at the earliest possible moment and I am doing all I can to get them.