asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether it is correct that compound feeding stuff manufacturers are charged £26 per ton for maize and milo, which are imported at an average c.i.f. cost of £23 15s. Od. per ton; and, if so, how the balance of £2 5s. Od. per ton is appropriated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maize and Milo Prices.
It is correct that compound feeding stuff manufacturers are charged £26 per ton for maize and milo maize. The difference between this price and the c.i.f. cost represents (a) discharging, storing and distributing costs; (b) inland transport charges, and (c) the discounts allowed on 100-ton and 500-ton purchases.
While the c.i.f. costs which I supplied to the Deputy on 25th October averaged £23 15s. 0d. per ton, more recent offers have been approximately £1 a ton higher. The current selling price of £26 a ton represents the average cost of maize and milo delivered at purchasers' nearest stations and is the lowest price which could be maintained for any reasonable period.