asked the Minister for Agriculture whether any conditions as to the sale price to be charged for seed wheat being imported from Britain, Sweden and Denmark this season are laid down by him when granting the import licences; and, if so, whether he will furnish particulars of these conditions; further, if he will state whether the price of the seed is taken into consideration in fixing the price of wheat for the following season; and, if so, what figure in respect of seed wheat is being used by him in arriving at a price for next season's crop.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seed Wheat Prices.
Mr. Walsh
No conditions as to sale price are laid down when licences are granted for the importation of seed wheat.
The price to be paid to growers for wheat in a particular year is not determined on a costings basis but as far as possible all relevant considerations are taken into account in fixing the price.
Did I understand the Minister to say that he grants licences for the importation of wheat irrespective of the cost or the price of the wheat, or whether it is paid for in soft or hard currency?
Mr. Walsh
What has happened in most cases is that we give an import licence to people who hold an export licence. Wheat has been imported from Sweden and it is costing £8 per barrel. The people who have imported it this year are prepared to give it to farmers on contract at £7 per barrel in order to build up a good seed wheat stock.
The Minister has given us the price for Swedish wheat. Could he give us the price for seed wheat from Denmark and Britain?
Mr. Walsh
No.
Is there any at all?
Mr. Walsh
Not yet.
I understood the Minister to say that he had granted licences for the importation of 5,000 tons of seed wheat. Would the Minister not know the price of that?
Mr. Walsh
No, not yet.
Could the Minister state whether the wheat imported was paid for either in hard or soft currency?
Mr. Walsh
In England it is paid for in soft currency.
My question is in relation to Sweden.
Mr. Walsh
I could not answer that question.