asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that maize is costing £28 per ton c.i.f. in Dublin, while maizemeal is costing £35 per ton ex-mill, and that this represents an excess charge of at least 4/-per cwt. on maizemeal or 28/- per 10 st. pig, and what step he proposes to take to relieve pig producers of this imposition.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cost of Maize.
Mr. Walsh
I am aware that the c.i.f. price of maize is in the region of£28 per ton. The Deputy knows, however, that the price fluctuates and in fixing the price to be charged to millers by Messrs. Grain Importers regard must be had not only to prices paid but also to prices for stocks required to be purchased to maintain supplies. Consideration is at present being given to the question of reducing the existing selling price to the trade of £32 per ton and an announcement in the matter will be made in due course.
It is not proposed to exercise official control over the price of maizemeal, since any person can purchase maize from Messrs. Grain Importers in 6-ton lots delivered to his nearest railway station.