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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Mar 1950

Vol. 119 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Flax.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether any discussion has taken place this year between representatives of his Department and the flax spinners of the Six Counties as to the price of flax for 1950, and if he will state the quantity involved; and, if not, whether he could give any information as to the existence of any arrangement for the disposal of the 1950 flax crop, however arrived at.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand that arrangements have been made between the Northern Spinners' Association and a group claiming to represent the flax growers and millers for the purchase of 3,000 tons of scutched flax of the 1950 crop at prices ranging from 31/- per stone for grade 1 to 23/6 per stone for grade 6, with 1/6 per stone extra for turbine scutched flax, or world prices plus 5 per cent. should such prove to be higher; if the former formula operates, it represents a price approximately 10/- per stone less than flax growers in the Six Counties of Northern Ireland will receive.

Does that 10/- include a subsidy from the Northern Ireland Government?

Yes, I believe it does.

Of what amount?

It is a variable figure.

Roughly?

I do not know. It depends upon the figure which the spinners pay, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

If the Minister found it possible to know exactly the amount of the differential, I would expect that he would be in a position to say what the bounty or bonus paid by the Northern Ireland Government is.

If the Deputy will be kind enough to put down a question asking for that information I shall have it prepared for him.

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