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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Nov 1954

Vol. 147 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Minimum Price for Wheat.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will consider fixing for wheat, irrespective of moisture or bushel weight, a minimum price which would, at least, safeguard badly-hit farmers against the total loss of the season's crop.

Prices for millable wheat of this year's crop were fixed under the Wheat Order, 1954, made by me on the 23rd July last. The deductions to be made in respect of excess moisture content, as specified in that Order, were modified in favour of the growers by an Amending Order made by me on the 7th October. Farmers who have millable wheat to sell have, therefore, a guaranteed minimum price. It would not be practicable to fix a minimum price for unmillable wheat, having regard to the wide variation in the quality of such wheat.

Is the Minister aware that as little as 47/6 a barrel is being paid for wheat this year?

Millable or unmillable?

For wheat—it is all damaged this year.

Yes, but there is a distinct difference between wheat of millable quality and unmillable wheat. Unmillable wheat is the subject of individual agreements between purchasers and vendors. In respect of millable wheat the farmer is entitled to the guaranteed minimum price.

That is 80/- a barrel?

Subject to the Wheat Order as to bushel weight and moisture content.

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