asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state what is present c.i.f. price of maize and what price is quoted by Grain Importers, Limited, for six ton lots of maize f.o.r. and whether any lower price is quoted for large quantities ex-ship or ex-quay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Maize.
As the Deputy is aware, the price of maize fluctuates from day to day. On 30th October last the approximate c.i.f. price for No. 2 Yellow American maize was £26 12s. 6d. per ton for December shipment.
Maize imported by Messrs. Grain Importers is sold by them carriage paid to the purchaser's nearest railway station. No quotations are made by that company on an f.o.r., ex-ship or ex-quay basis.
Would the Minister state further to his reply why an additional price is quoted by Grain Importers, Limited, for six ton lots of maize as distinct from larger quantities delivered ex-ship or ex-quay.
The reason for it is that when Deputy Dillon was Minister he introduced a scheme with a view to giving maize to feeders in areas removed from the ports through which maize is imported at the same price as feeders in the port areas. Pursuant to that arrangement prices are quoted now in the manner indicated.
Has the Minister madeany exception in respect to persons who draw shipments ex-ship?
Not in the method of collection. There is a rebate in the price.
If there is a rebate in price then there is a differential. The question I have asked is, is there any differential in the price charged for six ton lots and larger quantities delivered to port? Surely it would be disingenuous to inform us that there is no difference in the price, but there is a rebate when he goes to pay for the delivery. Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary would care to look at his reply again and furnish the information on another occasion. Could the Parliamentary Secretary say what the amount of the rebate is?
Two and a half per cent. on 500 tons and one quarter per cent. on 100 tons.
It would appear there is a different price for deliveries taken to port, which seems to be the direct opposite to the answer given to my question.
I understood the Deputy to ask if there was an allowance for a collection of maize at the quay-side.
Yes, ex-ship.
As I understand the position, the maize is still delivered f.o.r. by the rail company to the purchaser at his nearest railway station.