asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether there has been any shipment to Britain of early potatoes this year, and if not, whether any attempt has been made to find an alternative market; further, if he is aware of the great loss that will be incurred by the producers in having to sell their products at £12 per ton when the seed cost from £18 to £21 per ton; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Early Potatoes.
Mr. Walsh
Owing to the lateness of the season, it was impossible to effect shipments of early potatoes to Britain before the market there closed. As a result of representations made by my Department, the date for shipment was extended from the 31st May to the 10th June. Every effort was made to have the date further extended, but without result. The alternative market for early potatoes is the home market and, in view of the prices quoted in the market reports, I cannot agree that growers need have suffered any serious losses through failure to export their produce. I do not propose to take any action in the matter.