asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the retail prices of fertilisers in the Twenty-Six Counties are, on the average, £6 per ton dearer than those quoted in the Six Counties, and if, in view of the competitive disadvantage at which this differential places our agricultural producers, he will consider introducing a subsidy to bring down the prices charged to our farmers for these fertilisers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fertiliser Prices.
I am aware of the position regarding fertiliser prices in the Six County area. I am not prepared to consider introducing a fertiliser subsidy scheme here as it would not be possible to ensure that the full benefit of the subsidy would reach the farmer, and, in any event, a large proportion of the subsidy would eventually have to be met by the farming community.