asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the quantity of certified seed potatoes of the 1949 crop which has been exported as ware potatoes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ware Potatoes.
Mr. Blaney
None.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that some farmers are sowing ware potatoes due to the scarcity of seed potatoes; and if he has any statement to make in view of the ware potato price to the public and grower.
Most farmers select from their own potato crops the seed they intend to use for the next planting, and this practice is not attributable to the shortage of seed potatoes nor should it have any effect, normally, on the supply of ware. I have already stated in reply to a question last week that the high prices of ware potatoes are due to speculative buying by persons not ordinarily engaged in the potato trade, and I am confident that the action being taken in this matter will put a stop to this practice.