asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether (a) a price has been fixed or been agreed on for strawberries for jam of this season's crop, and (b) consultations regarding prices have taken place between the jam manufacturers and his Department and, if so, whether the growers were represented or requested to send a representative to the discussions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Strawberry Crop.
I am informed by the jam manufacturers' association that they are prepared to pay a price of 10½d. per lb. for strawberries plugged and delivered, with the usual reductions for unplugged fruit. I am also aware that various groups of growers have entered into contracts with jam manufacturers regarding the price and conditions under which the crop is to be grown.
Consultations have taken place between representatives of the Irish Jam Manufacturers' Association and my Department. Growers were not present at those discussions, but I have had consultation with the growers, including the recently formed growers' organisation, and I arranged for this body to meet the Irish Jam Manufacturers' Association, and the meeting took place some weeks ago.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (a) the acreage of strawberries grown in the virus free area in Mayo, and (b) the approximate yield in hundredweights last year of (i) fruit, and (ii) runners.
Mr. Walsh
I regret that the information sought by the Deputy is not available.