asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is proposed to fix prices for oats and barley for 1953; and, if so, if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oats and Barley Prices.
Mr. Walsh
No. It is not proposed to fix a price for oats and barley of the 1953 crop.
Might I respectfully inquire why? Does the Minister recall denouncing me most energetically from these benches for not declaring a price far in advance of the sowing season? Would he now explain what has happened since he got over to that side of the House to persuade him that he should not fix a price at all, late or early, for barley or for oats?
Mr. Walsh
There is no necessity now to fix a price for these crops since agricultural live stock is making such a price.
Does he believe that live stock are making substantially better rates——
Mr. Walsh
That is quite obvious.
Under the 1948 trade agreement very satisfactory developments have taken place but does the Minister think that that alters fundamentally the question of whether he should fix a price for oats and barley? Does he see the expression on the face of the Minister for External Affairs——
If the Deputy's prophecy that we could get plenty of maize at £20 per ton were realised it might be necessary to do something to fix prices for home produce.