asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that as low as 47/6 per barrel has been paid by millers for wheat during the present season; and, if so, if he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price of Wheat.
Mr. Walsh
A case has been brought to my notice in which 47/6 per barrel was paid for two lots of wheat. Inquiries have been made in the matter and it has been ascertained that the wheat in question was unsuitable for milling into flour for human consumption when accepted by the purchaser. The prices fixed under the Wheat Order, 1953, relate only to millable wheat and do not, therefore, apply in this case. In the circumstances, I do not see there is any action I can usefully take in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that when this wheat was delivered by the farmer it was in quite good condition, but that, due to delay by the miller in accepting it, it got into the condition suggested by the Minister now, of being unmillable? I suggest that the farmer is fully entitled to be compensated for the difference in price, in view of the fact that the wheat left his farm in good condition.
Mr. Walsh
I have not got any such information as the Deputy suggests that this situation arose through thedefault of the miller in not accepting the wheat, nor have I any information as to the condition of the wheat before it was accepted by the dealer. The information I have it that, when it reached the purchaser, it was not millable, and consequently he would not pay the millable wheat price for it.
Is the Minister aware that this same miller closed down on the taking in of wheat for over a fortnight at one time, which inevitably led to the wheat deteriorating in quality?
Mr. Walsh
I have no such information.
You should have.
Mr. Walsh
We have, as I mentioned in my reply, only two such cases. I have not got the information the Deputy has now given.