asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate the prospects and expected price for the 1952 damson crop and if he will give a guarantee that the growers will be able to dispose of the entire crop which they were unable to do last year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Damson Crop.
Mr. Walsh
I am not in a position to give any indication at this stage of the prospects of the 1952 damson crop or to give any guarantee as to its disposal. I will as heretofore urge the jam manufacturers to purchase the maximum quantity of damsons at the best possible prices.
Is there any possibility of ending the amazing position which exists in this country, of fruit rotting in the orchards while similar fruit is being sold in the shops at prohibitive prices?
Set up another Dungarvan scheme.
Mr. Walsh
The difficulty about damson jam is that the jam manufacturers say they cannot find any sale for it as people prefer strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry or raspberry. There is no sale for damson jam.
Actually I was referring to other types as well as damson.
Deputy Maguire should move to raise the matter on the Adjournment in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply.