asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the arrangements in force for the export of certified seed potatoes, and (b) what price will be paid for this season's crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Seed Potatoes.
The export of certified seed potatoes will in future be controlled by the Irish Potato Marketing Company, a non-profit making body representative of growers, exporters and my Department, which I am about to set up to handle the export trade in potatoes. The price at present being paid to merchants for seed potatoes for export ranges from £12 3s. 3d. per ton f.o.b. to £13 13s. 3d. per ton f.o.b. according to grading and variety, and growers should receive a price related to these prices, due regard being had to the costs of collection and transfer to the port of shipment.