asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate the marketing prospects for early potatoes this year in the home and export markets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Potato Marketing Prospects.
It is impossible to forecast marketing prospects for early potatoes either at home or abroad this season. Early potatoes may be exported to Great Britain without restriction up to 31st July next.
There is still a good supply of old potatoes, and earlies from home growers have made their appearance.
Regular shipments to Great Britain will not begin until next week. I cannot indicate what prices there may be, as they change from day to day. Up to last week the demand was fairly good and fancy prices were paid. Increasing supplies from a variety of sources may now be expected, and these will inevitably cause a fall in price.