asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the demands being made for increased agricultural production, it is intended to subsidise artificial fertilisers in the current season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subsidation of Artificial Fertilisers.
Mr. Walsh
It is not intended to subsidise artificial fertilisers in the current season. Reductions in the prices of artificial fertilisers have been very substantial and should prove most helpful to farmers in their efforts to increase agricultural production.
Will the Minister say if he is prepared to recommend to the Government the reintroduction of the credit fertiliser scheme which was in operation during the emergency?
Mr. Walsh
Having regard to the experience we had of the voucher scheme, I have no intention of reinstituting that scheme.
In view of the fact that this country is the lowest consumer of fertilisers in Western Europe and of the necessity for increased agricultural production, does the Minister think it a wise policy to leave the price of fertilisers as it is at the moment and not to put it within the average farmer's power to use more on his land?
Mr. Walsh
I wonder what would the Deputy regard as within the farmer's power?
Answer the question. I suppose you cannot answer the supplementary question because you have not got the answer there.
Deputy Blowick should cease interrupting.