asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give costing figures to justify the increased prices of bran and pollard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bran and Pollard Prices.
Bran and pollard are byproducts of the flour milling industry and their price is related to the price at which such offals are generally obtainable on world markets.
Owing to the limited quantities of bran and pollard of domestic origin it was found impossible to distribute them equitably through the retail trade amongst farmers desirous of purchasing them, and it was accordingly decided to incorporate available supplies in white pollard, which is a mixture of bran, pollard and wheat feed, now available in unlimited quantities.
It is intended to continue to supply bran at the same price for the convenience of those who require it for horses and calving cows during the spring and early summer.
Will the Minister say if this increase of 100 per cent. in the price of bran and pollard results in increased profit to the millers or in a saving of subsidy to the Government?
In relation to bran and pollard it results in neither one nor the other. The incorporation of the wheat feed in the bran and pollard results in the production of an entirely different product, which can best be described by the pre-war nomenclature of "Sharps".
Does the Minister not realise that even the wheat mixed in this bran and pollard is purchased at a much lesser price than the bran and pollard?
I beg the Deputy's pardon?
Is the Minister aware that the wheat costs substantially less than the price that is being charged for the bran and pollard?
I do not think the Deputy is correct in that. Is not the price of white pollard £29?
The price of wheat is £25.
What does the Deputy think is the price of dried wheat?
There is as much water in it as there is in the Danish butter.
The Deputy might perhaps consult Deputy Cogan.