asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has satisfied himself that the general financial position of farmers obviates the necessity for subsidising the cost of artificial manures to them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Manure Subsidy.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give further consideration to the granting of a subsidy on artificial manures, as the limited orders given by farmers to merchants throughout the country for them to date would suggest that the present price does not commend itself to the farming community as an economic proposition, thereby leading to a probable decrease in agricultural production.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will make fertilisers available to creamery milk suppliers at a reduced cost per cwt. equivalent to the present price of the ten cwt. of fertilisers per acre allotted for tillage taking the average number of cows as a basis for calculation to offset partially the cost of milk production.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will subsidise artificial manures in the Dingle Gaeltacht district so as to enable the small farmers of the area to obtain their manures at a price equal to that paid by those nearer the factories.
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, having regard to the necessity for increased food production this year, he will indicate the policy of the Government in regard to the subsidisation of fertilisers.
Mr. Walsh
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to answer Nos. 106, 107, 108, 109 and 110 together.
It is not proposed to subsidise the purchase of artificial fertilisers in general or for any class of farmer, or for any area of the country. I have already indicated my attitude on this subject in reply to a question here on the 31st October last. I am definitely of the view that even at the present prices, the purchase of fertilisers is a very good investment for the farmers.
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Minister aware that, as a result of action by him, the price to be expected for certain crops this year has been reduced, while the price of fertilisers has been considerably increased since last June?
Mr. Walsh
I am not so aware, and I would like to inquire from the Deputy what crop has been reduced in price as a result of any increase in fertilisers.
Mr. O'Higgins
You stopped the farmers getting a decent price for their barley.
That is untrue.
Mr. Walsh
That statement is untrue.
Mr. O'Higgins
Go down to Laois.
Mr. Walsh
That statement of the Deputy's is untrue and the Deputy knows that it is untrue.
Mr. O'Higgins
I know it is perfectly true.
Mr. Walsh
It is perfectly typical of Deputy O'Higgins, to go down to the depths of the gutter where he has always carried on.
Mr. O'Higgins
You will get your answer.
The significance of fertilisers——
Question 111.