asked the Minister for Agriculture, if in view of the increased price of fertilisers, he will subsidise them so as to enable the farmers to buy artificial manures at an economic price and thus to maintain the increase in agricultural production.
Questions— Written Answers. - Subsidy for Fertilisers.
Mr. Walsh
I have given full consideration to the recent increases in the prices of artificial fertilisers and I am of the opinion that the payment of a subsidy is not the best means of offsetting the increases, as it would be impossible to ensure that the full benefit of the subsidy would reach the farmer. I should prefer that the farmer should meet the increased cost of the raw materials of his industry by the receipt of economic prices for his produce, and my policy will be directed towards that end.