asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state the number of tons of milling wheat delivered by growers and agents up to the latest available date and the total amount paid therefor; also if he will state the average moisture content of the wheat and indicate the steps being taken by his Department to ensure that prompt delivery of all wheat will be taken by the millers in 1954 in view of the losses suffered this year due to the lack of handling and storage facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milling Wheat.
Mr. Walsh
Approximately 300,000 tons of wheat of the 1953 harvest were delivered to flour millers up to the 21st November. Information is not yet available in regard to the total amount paid or the average moisture content of the wheat.
The question of the provision of additional drying and storage facilities for the handling of next year's grain crops is receiving my earnest attention and I expect that there will be a considerableimprovement in the position before next harvest. Nevertheless, despite the best endeavours of all concerned, it will be necessary for the growers to co-operate by delivering their grain in good condition and by spreading their deliveries over as long a period as possible.
Is the Minister aware that many growers suffered considerable loss owing to the lack of handling facilities and of storage places? Could he not indicate, in reply to the question, what efforts he has made during the past 12 months to provide necessary facilities for handling wheat in view of the loss sustained by the growers?
Mr. Walsh
Storage has been erected during the past 12 months. I am not aware that there has been a considerable loss in wheat.
Would you find out what is happening?
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply which I received from the Minister, I wish to give notice that I intend to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
Deputy Dillon will be very displeased with you if you say anything about wheat.