asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the price guaranteed for malting barley is 7/6 per cwt. higher than that guaranteed for best millable wheat and having regard to present high production costs, he will increase the price of wheat or, alternatively, grant a bonus on each acre of wheat sown and, further, if he has considered the desirability of providing for wheat growers a State scheme for the purchase of seeds and manures on credit; and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Wheat.
Mr. O'Higgins
asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is prepared, in the interests of wheat production, to sanction a higher price for wheat.
Mr. Walsh
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
It is not proposed to increase the price already announced for wheat of the 1952 harvest or to introduce a scheme for payment of a bonus to wheat growers on an acreage basis.
The Irish Flour Millers' Association has publicly announced that arrangements will be made by the flour millers to provide credit facilities for their agents who supply farmers with fertilisers and seed for wheat. These arrangements have been made with my approval and the necessity for a State scheme of credit does not arise.
The Minister will be heard when the conversation is over.
Sorry, Sir.
Is the Minister aware that the price guaranteed for best quality millable wheat is £7 10s. per ton less than the price guaranteed for malting barley? Does the Minister not think that it is desirable that the raw material for the nation's bread should be worth at least as much as the raw material for some people's beer?
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Minister aware that Deputy Cogan supports the Minister in this policy?