asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the international situation and the necessity for securing home-grown food, he will consider increasing the price of home-grown wheat to cover increased production costs and to act as an inducement to farmers to sow wheat.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home-Grown Wheat Price.
The present price of 62/6 per barrel for wheat provides a remunerative market for the growing of wheat by any farmer whose land is suitable for the purpose. I will arrange to have examined any proposals which may be submitted to me by or on behalf of wheat growers with a view to devising a new price schedule which would afford the grower of top-quality wheat a bonus on the standard price, while the price for the lower grades would be adjusted accordingly to correspond more closely with their relative value.
Is the Minister aware that between the increased cost of seed, manures, tillage and harvesting the increased cost of an acre of wheat to-day is over £5, as compared with 1948, and, in view of that, is he prepared to increase the price?
£5 a ton?
£5 an acre.
Is that a ton?
Yes, granting a ton for an acre.
I will note what the Deputy said.
Will the Minister not admit that since the price of 62/6 was first announced in 1947 costs have increased very greatly, and if we want to get a fair proportion of our requirements of this essential foodstuff grown here we will have to take cognisance of the fact that the farmers' costs have increased and a bigger price will have to be given in order to encourage them to grow wheat?
What does the Deputy suggest?
Will the Minister increase the price?
Courage! What does the Deputy suggest?
It will have to be thought over.
Then start thinking.
It is about time for the Minister to start thinking.
Admit the principle.