asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the present scarcity of oats; and, if so, whether he can indicate the reasons therefor; also, whether he will consider making the surplus of the 1948 crop, which was purchased and stored by his Department, available to oat millers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Scarcity of Oats.
I am aware that oats are in scarce supply. The main reason for this scarcity is a reduction in the acreage under oats from 880,100 in 1948 to 682,900 in 1949—a reduction of 22.4.
The quantity of 1948 crop oats purchased under the oats purchase scheme amounted to little more than 2 per cent. of the total crop. These purchases have already been disposed of except for about 350 tons for which offers are at present under consideration.