asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state why investment in agricultural development, as outlined by the Minister for Finance in his 1950 financial statement during the financial year 1950-1951 was less than half the amount estimated to be required.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Investment in Agricultural Development.
The Minister for Finance in May, 1950, indicated the following provisions of a capital nature on the Vote of my Department, viz.:—
|
£ |
|
|
Land Rehabilitation Project and Water Supplies |
3,100,000 |
|
Construction and Improvement of farm buildings |
350,000 |
|
Promotion of poultry and egg production |
350,000 |
Expenditure up to 31st March, 1951, on these heads was:—
|
£ |
|
|
Land Rehabilitation Project and Water Supplies |
566,600 |
|
Farm Buildings |
235,650 |
|
Poultry Development |
202,200 |
The gap between the provision made and actual expenditure incurred on the land rehabilitation project arose through:—
(1) failure to secure delivery of certain key mechanical units;
(2) initial reluctance of interested parties to undertake the purchase of heavy machinery;
(3) difficulties encountered in the spreading of ground limestone and fertilisers;
(4) difficulties in procuring suitable drainage pipes;
(5) bad weather.