asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in connection with his statement in July, 1952, to Offaly County Committee of Agriculture that any profits made by the Potato Marketing Board went back to the farmers who grew seed potatoes, he will indicate the method by which this surplus comes back to the farmers and whether it is in the form of a bonus or otherwise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Marketing Board.
The Irish Potato Marketing Company, Limited, to which I assume the question relates, is concerned principally with the export market in certified seed potatoes. Since the company was founded two years ago, it has raised the price of certified seed for export, and maintained the increased price in spite of harsh competition abroad.
After its first year's experience, the company decided that it would be better to pay the full price initially rather than withhold some of it which could later be paid as a bonus. The price which growers now get is the final price.
The company's policy is to endeavour to clear the crop of certified need at the best possible prices to the growers. It encourages the ensiling of potatoes and has given grants for the purchase of mobile potato-cookers and demonstrations of their use. The company also hopes to be able, in the course of the years, to build up a reserve fund to support the growers' price in seasons when foreign prices may fall, or severe losses be sustained.
In July last the Minister for Agriculture addressed the Offaly County Committee of Agriculture. He said that any profits made by the Potato Marketing Board went back into the pockets of the farmers. That was the Minister's expression. In what way is the money going back into their pockets? Surely it has not got back according to the Parliamentary Secretary's reply. Is there a system of bonus? Why did the Minster not make himself clear?
Perhaps I may be permitted to give two examples. The company does a great deal of unseen work in paying for diversionary charges. For example, transport to the port for the shipping of the cargo. These level out the charges. Another example is the hold-up of a boat at Derry. Demurrage had to be paid on the boat at the rate of £400 a day. The company spreads these charges over the entire trade and so enables problems of a local character to be met.
That did not put a penny back into the pockets of the farmers of Offaly.
Was a bonus not paid to the potato growers? Did they not receive, on the delivery of their potatoes, a basic figure and, when the profits were determined, did they not receive a proportionate bonus? Is that no longer being done?
The final price is being paid initially now and, therefore, no bonus is available for distribution.
How in the name of God could the final price be paid before you know what you are going to get for the potatoes? Have sense, man.
I might tell Deputy Dillon that in 1952 the price to growers of certified seed is £10 5s. per ton— the same as last year—although the f.o.b. price has fallen by 15/- a ton. There is a partial explanation.
That is not an explanation.