asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the enhanced price obtainable for flax, he will state what provision he has made to enable farmers to obtain flax seed of proven germination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provision of Flax Seed.
The provision of flax seed for growers is a matter for the trade, and I have no doubt that the firms engaged in the business will endeavour to ensure that the seed imported is of the highest quality as regards purity and germination. The usual check on the quality of the seed offered for sale will be made by officers of my Department under the Agricultural Seeds Act, 1936. Merchants and farmers can, of course, have samples tested at the Department's seed-testing station on request.
Is the Minister aware that the merchants are refusing to sell that seed now to growers except at growers' risk for fear of subsequent prosecution?
I am not.
In view of the fact that the Minister has tried in every way to discourage the growing of flax, why does he not dispense with the services of one supervising flax inspector and several other inspectors?
The Deputy misinterprets me. I have gone out of my way to discourage the Belfast flax spinners from paying our growers one-half the value of the crop, with the salutary result that now they are paying our growers twice the amount which the Deputy was advising them to accept last year. In regard to flax seed, inasmuch as the bulk of seed is being imported by a co-operative society in the Deputy's and my constituency on which I have heard no reflection made heretofore, I am surprised that the Deputy should represent to the House and the country that that co-operative society is fraudulently dealing with the people in respect of seeds. I do not believe that that is so.
That is so.
The Deputy is satisfied that that co-operative creamery is fraudulently offering the people defective seed?
I say that the merchants and the co-operative society are refusing to supply seed unless at the growers' risk. Surely it is in the Department's interest to look after the growers.
Every precaution is taken by way of check on the seed, and I have the utmost confidence in that agency, which is at present importing seed that the quality will be excellent.