asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is in a position to give any information to flax growers as to the prices likely to obtain for this season's flax crop and whether it would be desirable for them to sign the contract forms as requested by the North of Ireland spinners' association.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flax Crop Prices.
Mr. Walsh
I understand that the Flax Spinners' Association, Belfast, and a group claiming to represent flax growers and millers, reached agreement for the purchase of hand-scutched flax of the 1951 crop at prices ranging from 38/- per stone for Grade 1 to 30/6 for Grade 6, or alternatively, world prices plus 5 per cent., should such prove to be higher. As world prices will not be known until August next, I am unable to forecast what they may be, but present indications are that they will be well above those I have quoted. I cannot state whether the main agreement provides for the signing of contract forms by growers, and the decision as to whether such a form should be signed would appear to be a matter for the individual grower.
May I ask the Minister if he has any information that buyers from the United States, Scotland, Holland or Belgium are likely to enter the market and give higher prices for flax scutched here?
Mr. Walsh
I have no information whatever.
If I give the Minister the facts and details which I have, will he investigate the matter further and let me have the further information?
Mr. Walsh
Certainly.