asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that mangold seed is again dear and scarce this season and if he will state what steps he has taken to implement his promise of the 4th May, 1948, to ensure that no recurrence of this situation would occur in the future (Ref. Vol. 110, col. 1031).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scarcity of Mangold Seed.
I am not aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy. Retail prices of mangel seeds this season show a reduction of approximately 45 per cent. on the prices prevailing last year and while the demand for one or two varieties, of which a world-wide scarcity exists, has been in excess of supply the total quantity of mangel seeds for sowing was more than sufficient to meet estimated requirements.