asked the Minister for Agriculture (a) whether he is aware that the wholesale price for ware potatoes has risen to £20 per ton; and, if so, whether he will state the cause to which he attributes this rise in price, and (b) whether there is any fear that there will be a shortage of supply to meet normal demand, and if he will make a statement on the general position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Supply and Price of Potatoes.
I am aware that the wholesale price of ware potatoes has in some places risen to the price stated. I attribute this to speculative buying and irregular marketing and to the activities of persons not already in the trade who bring lorries to the farms and buy potatoes irrespective of quality or condition, thus interrupting the flow of supplies through normal channels. I am taking action which I feel confident will ensure adequate supplies at reasonable prices during the period between now and the arrival of the new season's crop.
Will the Minister say what he regards as a reasonable price?
Again, I must ask the indulgence of the Deputy. I propose to burn the speculators' fingers as severely as I can. If the Deputy will be good enough to forbear until I have adequately burnt them, I shall be glad to inform the Deputy of how the deed was done.
Would the Minister say when he proposes to make a statement on this matter? Will he also admit that there is no member of this House so much entitled to claim a special lien on the word "indulgence" as he himself is?
Just so soon as that information would not constitute an asbestos glove for the speculator.
May I ask if the Minister will ensure in the interests of the consuming public in the city that the fingers of those speculators will be taken off them as quickly as possible?
I rather imagine that if the Deputy makes inquiries in the appropriate quarter he will find that on Saturday and Sunday and Monday some little singeing has been done.