asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the flax crop at present prices is not an economic proposition, he will take steps, if necessary by the introduction of proposals for legislation, to guarantee a fixed minimum price for flax grown in the Republic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Price for Flax.
I am not prepared to fix a guaranteed minimum price for flax.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the position, in so far as flax growers are concerned, is chaotic and unless something is done to guarantee a minimum price very little flax will be grown in County Donegal this year and in Cork too, I presume?
The effect of fixing a price, I am sure the Deputy knows, would be that there would then be no obligation on the Northern Ireland spinners to offer a price before sowing takes place, and I understand that would place spinners in a favourable position and the growers in a correspondingly detrimental position.